MCPS Process Updates: COVID-19 & Other Common Respiratory Viruses

As of April 15, 2024, MCPS is updating procedures for COVID-19 and other common respiratory viruses to align with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and endorsed by the Maryland Department of Health.

Immunizations Can Prevent Serious Illness

Seasonal vaccines are available for COVID-19 and influenza that help prevent serious illness and hospitalization
MCPS strongly recommends staying up to date on vaccines for common respiratory viruses
Immunization against RSV is available for certain individuals with higher risk of health complications from RSV

If you become sick with COVID-19 or another respiratory virus

Stay home to recover until you have been fever free and symptoms are improving, for at least 24 hours
When returning to work or school after being out for a respiratory infection, the CDC recommends additional precautions for 5 days
Staff and students who test positive for COVID-19 or influenza should report the specific reason for their illness-related absence to their school

Testing for Respiratory Viruses

Early testing allows for early treatment
Early medical evaluation and treatment is most important for people at risk for complications from respiratory illness
Medications for flu and COVID-19 infection work best to control symptoms and prevent complications when started as early as possible

Masks for Health Protection

Masks are available at school for staff, student or visitor use
Individuals can choose to wear a medical mask for health protection (their own or for a close contact)
School leaders may encourage masking when respiratory illnesses are spreading quickly in their school
Individuals unable to safely mask will not be asked to do so
Students asked to mask as a preventive measures will not be excluded from school for choosing not to wear a mask

COVID-19 Outbreaks in Schools

School-based outbreaks of certain infectious diseases are monitored by the Maryland health department
If 3 or more cases of COVID-19 occur in a high-risk classroom within 7 days, a case investigation determines if there is an outbreak
Families will be notified if their student has been exposed in a probable classroom outbreak and any recommended measures