COVID-19 Information Center

Isolation Protocols for Positive Cases

The school is following the August 2022 update of CDC guidelines for isolation guidance. Please reference this resource for guidance on what to do if your child tests positive, and utilize the calculator on this page to determine the date that your child can return to school.

Protocols for Close Contacts

Ths school is also following the August 2022 update of CDC guidelines for close contacts' ability to stay in school while masked. The referenced calculator on this CDC page will help you determine how long to mask for and recommended testing on day 6.

As we learned last year, the layering of protocols is key to enabling the safe operation of school, even in moments with high community transmission.

Using this approach allows us to add or reduce layers as necessary based on community vaccination and transmission rates, both within the Agnes Irwin community, and in our local and regional community. With the guidance of the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we will continue to use a layered approach of strategies to mitigate COVID-19 risks on our campus. 

Masking

AIS community members returning to campus after testing positive for Covid will be asked to wear a mask for 10 days after their diagnosis. Those who are identified as close contacts will also be asked to wear a mask for 10 full days, per CDC recommendations. 

Any individuals, regardless of their vaccination status, may choose to wear masks. Agnes Irwin fully supports the personal decisions of students, families, faculty and staff.

Exceptions to the mask encouraged policy may be enacted, at the School's discretion, for large events taking place indoors.

We may change or reinstate this policy at any time based on updated guidance from the CDC, department of health, and in consideration of local conditions and case levels on our campus. Any changes to our masking policy will be promptly communicated to our community.

Testing Protocols
The school will employ a testing strategy as necessary to support the safe operation of school. The school has a supply of rapid antigen tests available to support safe operations. Individuals who are symptomatic can be tested in the Head Nurse's office.

Cleaning and Disinfection of Facilities
We will continue to encourage regular hand washing and sanitizing for all community members. Hand sanitizing stations are in place across the campus, in every classroom, office and in all common spaces. Air purifiers are also available throughout our campus. We will continue to employ a rigorous cleaning strategy with a focus on high touch areas and additional deep cleaning as necessary. Bathrooms and water fountains will be sanitized regularly with disinfectant supplies which meet OSHA and CDC requirements for COVID-19.

Health Monitoring

We are asking families to stay vigilant in monitoring your children for symptoms each day to determine whether they are well enough to attend school. 

• Community members displaying symptoms potentially related to COVID-19 (fever, sore throat, headache, uncontrollable cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, etc.) should remain at home. 
• Please contact our nurses if a student is identified as a close contact, is awaiting a test result or if anyone in your household tests positive. 
• If you are unsure whether or not your daughter should attend school or need to provide a relevant update on your daughter’s health status, please contact Head Nurse Kristine Birkmire. 
• Individuals who are symptomatic will be tested by the Head Nurse's office.

When to Stay Home

• If your daughter is experiencing any of the following symptoms: 
  • Temperature greater than 100.3 F in the last 24 hours
  • Respiratory symptoms unrelated to a diagnosed illness (such as asthma)
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Vomiting within the previous 12 hours
  • Diarrhea within the previous 12 hours
• If your daughter is feeling sick or unwell in any way

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list. If you are unsure whether you should send your daughter to school, please contact Kristine Birkmire.