NEW Respiratory Guidelines Including COVID-19
NEW Respiratory Guidelines Including COVID-19 3/29/24
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has released updated guidelines for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses to reflect the recently updated CDC guidance. Instead of guidance specific to testing positive for COVID-19, this updated information is for respiratory viruses like Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 as they share similar transmission methods, symptoms and prevention strategies.
Staying home to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses
There is no longer the requirement to stay home for 5 days if you test positive for COVID-19.
- When you have ANY respiratory virus stay home and away from others if you have respiratory virus symptoms. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose and headache.
- Return to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
- Your symptoms are improving, and
- At least 24 hours have passed with no fever and without the use of fever-reducing medications such as Tylenol and Motrin
It is important to note that the guidance doesn't end with staying home and away from others when sick. The guidance recommends taking added precautions over the next 5 days. Some recommendations for schools are:
- Wear a well-fitting mask except when actively eating, drinking or outside.
- Keep distance from others, especially the elderly and those who are immunocompromised.
- Getting tested for respiratory viruses can lower the chance of spreading the virus to others
As always, practice good respiratory hygiene and wash hands or use sanitizer frequently.
For more detailed information:
Need to reach your school nurse?
Sometimes it is a difficult decision on whether or not to send your child to school. Please do not hesitate to contact your child's school nurse with any questions.
| Nurse | School | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annmarie Vaughan | Bedford High School | annmarie_vaughan@bedfordps.org | 781-275-1700 x4416 |
| Tracy Fernald | John Glenn Middle School | tracy_fernald@bedfordps.org | 781-275-3165 |
| Lorene Simoneau | Lt. Job Lane Elementary School | lorene_simoneau@bedfordps.org | 781-275-7623 |
Jennifer Capece & Leah Devereaux | Lt. Eleazer Davis Elementary School | 781-918-4906 |