Covid 19 Testing Image

Dixon Public School #170

Nurses' office

PROTOCOL FOR COVID RAPID TESTING AT ALL SCHOOLS

To: Parents and Guardians:

On Monday February 22nd, Dixon Public Schools nurses will be able to administer the Binax Point of Care, Rapid Covid test, to qualified students.  For a student to qualify for testing he/she must be symptomatic and must have a written consent signed by the parent.  The following protocol will determine IF the student should be tested, what follow up is needed, and how long a student will be out of school:

  • If a student is exhibiting Covid-like symptoms, he/she will be assessed by the nurse to determine if a rapid test is needed. 
  • If determined a rapid test is needed the parent will be called and notified first. (remember the student must be symptomatic and we must have a written consent from parent before administering the test)
  • If parent agrees to testing, the rapid test is performed, and test results will be available within 15 minutes.
  • If the rapid test is positive, the student will be sent home and isolated for 10 days. Any siblings or other family members living in the house will also be quarantined for 10 days.  Any student at school that is in close contact (within 6 feet for 15 minutes) will be sent home and quarantined for 10 days.  (LCHD will be notified of a positive case).
  • If the rapid test is negative and the student is exhibiting any ONE of the following MAIN symptoms: fever, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, loss of taste/smell or coughing/congestion, they will be sent home from school.  Parents will be encouraged to contact the KSB-Return to Learn Clinic, contact their physician to obtain a different diagnosis, or they will be out of school for 10 days.   Students CANNOT return to school without a negative result, a different diagnosis from a physician, or it has been 10 days and your student are asymptomatic. Siblings, family members and close contacts will be sent home and need to be quarantined for 10 days. 
  • If the rapid test is negative and the student has MILD SYMPTOMS-NOT exhibiting any of the main symptoms: (Fever, Shortness of Breath, Difficulty Breathing, Loss of Taste/Smell, Coughing or Congestion) then your child will be assessed by the nurse and treated according to our DPS policy.

Please note these are guidelines and each student will be assessed on an individual basis. If your student is sent home for Covid related issues you will be contacted by the school nurse. LCHD can make changes as needed to comply with County protocols.  If you have any questions, please contact Sherry Hafer at 815-285-8630 or contact your school nurse.

Thank you – Margo Empen-Superintendent and Sherry Hafer-District Registered Nurse