Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Guidance
Good afternoon West Central Families,
These are trying times, and I understand there is a lot of unrest within our country, our state, and within our county. As school is now underway, we are faced with daily decisions regarding student illness. We are working closely with the Henderson County Health Department on a daily basis. We want students at school for in-person learning; however, in order to protect the health and safety of our students, staff, and the Henderson County community, we must follow the guidelines of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). You can access these guidelines by clicking on the following link (https://www.isbe.net/Documents/IDPH-COVID19-Exclusion-Decison-Tree.pdf#search=idph%20exclusion%20guidance); however, please be advised, this document was revised on August 17 and again on August 20, so it can change from day to day. If your child(ren) exhibit(s) any of the symptoms listed in the self-certification process or on the top of the attached document, please keep them and any siblings home, and contact the school for further guidance.
I want to take time to address the scenario we are most commonly experiencing right now. According to IDPH, if a student is exhibiting one or more of the identified symptoms, he/she is to be sent home for 10 calendar days from the onset of the symptoms AND be 24 hours fever free without a fever-reducing medication AND improvement of symptoms. During this time, we will have students remote learn. At the conclusion of those 10 calendar days, the student may return to in-person learning when he/she presents a note from his/her parent/guardian verifying that the student and/or household contacts are fever free without a fever-reducing medication AND symptoms have improved. A student may return sooner than the 10 calendar days if a negative COVID-19 test result is provided OR a note from his/her healthcare provider indicating an alternative diagnosis is given to the school. COVID tests are administered at Eagleview in Stronghurst and Oquawka, and there is no cost to the family. In addition, any siblings of the student must also be sent home for 14 calendar days and may return after that as long as they are not exhibiting any symptoms AND are 24 hours fever free without a fever-reducing medication. The sibling may return sooner than 14 calendar days if a negative COVID-19 test result is provided, and he/she is not currently exhibiting any symptoms.
We know this is tough, but please know we are only following the guidelines that are provided to us by IDPH. We would appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we continue to maneuver through these unprecedented times. Thank you for your continued partnership.
Blessings,
Paula Markey
Superintendent
