Columbia Public Schools plans to separate students and employees with signs of COVID-19
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
In the event of a possible case of COVID-19, Columbia Public Schools will follow certain protocols, starting with visiting the school nurse to determine if symptoms are COVID-19 related.
According to the school district's re-entry plan, if someone is showing signs of COVID-19, the employee or student will be temporarily separated from others.
Structures for children with symptoms will be installed in nurse stations to create a separate space to wait for a parent.
Superintendent, Peter Stiepleman, said many of the nurse stations are very small spaces and so CPS purchased these for very short-term use.
However, a Columbia nurse and parent said since these structures are not clear, they are not safe for children or even adults.
"My biggest concern is that one of the issues with COIVD is that these symptoms can be especially dangerous in those with other health care issues and if you don't have direct visibility on that child, you are assuming they are able to communicate that to hopefully someone who can allow them out of that seclusive environment."
For an employee, the plan states they will be required to contact their primary healthcare provider and get tested for COVID-19. If positive, the employee will be contacted to conduct contact tracing with the health department.
The health department will ask the employee about all close contacts 48 hours before symptoms arose. Additionally, the employee will need to isolate, then the health department will contact anyone who might have been exposed.
The re-entry plan said if students have symptoms, the school nurse will contact a parent. When the parent arrives at school, they will be encouraged to have their child tested.
If the student tests positive, the parent will be contacted and the health department will begin the contact tracing process.
If there is a positive COIVD-19 case at school, the superintendent will consider closing the building for up to 48 hours.
Check back for more on CPS's re-entry plan or watch ABC 17 News at 5 and 6.
