The COVID-19 virus will be with us for a long time. As the level of severe disease is low in our community and across the state, the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) has stated that each person can decide if they want to take precautions based on their own personal level of risk. This is a positive shift as we look forward to a time when we can learn together without significant disruptions from COVID.
The change in Vermont’s public health guidance means the WSD COVID Response Team will be changing some of our current strategies. The following changes will begin on April 15:
- We will stop handing out rapid antigen tests as part of the Test at Home program.
Students’ households may continue to make an appointment at a State of Vermont testing site to obtain tests for their use at home.
- We will no longer share presumptive contact notifications or weekly COVID case counts.
The WSD COVID Response Team will continue to monitor for trends and absences consistent with any other infectious disease and will determine the need for notification to families as needed with collaboration from the VDH.The WSD COVID Response Team will continue to conduct diagnostic testing in school using LAMP or antigen tests as needed.
It is very important that everyone in our learning community stay home when they are sick, even if their COVID test is negative.
Returning to school after illness:
If your child gets sick, their symptoms should be much better and they must be fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to school. Additionally, students who are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea should remain home until symptoms are resolved and 24 hours have passed.
Our school nurses can help you decide when your student should return based on their symptoms. Please call the WSD COVID hotline 802-556-2243 with any questions or concerns.
We appreciate your efforts to keep our learning community healthy and thriving.