MONTGOMERY COUNTY — Public Health Dayton and Montgomery County released a list of several guidelines for school districts in the county in order to have students return to school buildings in the fall.
FULL LIST: Complete guidelines for reopening schools by Public Health Dayton & Montgomery County
The guidelines include creating plans for suspected or positive cases, students and staff returning after a positive test, classroom occupancy limits, recess, transportation, food service and others.
Other guidelines outlined in the health department’s plan include a plan for students to return to school, following a positive test. After a positive test, the person will need to go three days without a fever, not using medication, show that other symptoms have improved, and it has been at least 10 days since symptoms have appeared. Those who tested positive but are asymptomatic cannot return to school until 10 days have passed since the positive test, and no symptoms have developed.
Public health officials recommend students and staff members to conduct daily self-checks for symptoms of COVID-19 before arriving at the school. In addition, if a caregiver or parent of a student has been exposed to COVID-19 the student must self-quarantine at home for 14 days. If the student tests negative for COVID-19, they can return to school before the 14 day period, health officials said.
Other parts of the guidelines include
- Classroom occupancy: The number of students in the classroom will be determined based on individual circumstances, but separations of students of 6 feet is recommended
- Facial coverings are recommended for all students in grade 3-12
- Transportation: Districts should attempt to have siblings sit together on buses and seating charts are also recommended to help with contract tracing if needed. Face masks are required for bus drivers and recommended for students.
- Recess: Districts are encouraged to limit students’ access to “high touch” activities or areas like playground equipment. Students are required to sanitize or wash hands after recess.
Click here to read the complete list of guidelines for reopening schools by Public Health Dayton and Montgomery County.