The following is a text alternative for the NYS DOH COVID-19 Guide for School Administrators and Schools Nurses:

COVID-19 exclusion protocol for contacts of symptomatic students and staff

Symptomatic student/staff must be evaluated by a health care provider (HCP) within 48 hours of symptom onset

• If Evaluation occurs within 48 hours And HCP gives alternate diagnosis:

  • No exclusions required.

• If Evaluation occurs within 48 hours And COVID-19 diagnostic test Not done (for example, guardian refuses):

  • Follow protocols on the COVID-19 School and Local Health Department Coordination for Contact Tracing page to assist the LHD with a full case investigation and contact tracing.
    
    

• If Evaluation occurs within 48 hours And COVID-19 diagnostic test performed:

  • If Positive result:
    • Follow protocols on the COVID-19 School and Local Health Department Coordination for Contact Tracing page to assist the LHD with a full case investigation and contact tracing.
      
      
  • If Negative result:
    • No exclusions required.
      
      
  • If No result within 48 hours:
    After 48 hours, deem the symptomatic student/staff positive:
    • Ensure the symptomatic student/staff remains in isolation at home
    • Follow the protocols for positive students/staff on the COVID-19 Flowsheet for Student or Staff with COVID-19 Symptoms page.
    • Notify and begin communicating with the local health department (LHD)
      
      • If HCP evaluation is completed and/or test results received after 48 hours, follow algorithm pathway above based upon HCP evaluation outcome or test result.
      • Follow protocols on the COVID-19 School and Local Health Department Coordination for Contact Tracing page to assist the LHD with a full case investigation and contact tracing.
        
        

• If Evaluation Does Not occur within 48 hours:

  • After 48 hours, deem the symptomatic student/staff positive:
    • Ensure the symptomatic student/staff remains in isolation at home
    • Follow the protocols for positive students/staff on the COVID-19 Flowsheet for Student or Staff with COVID-19 Symptoms page.
    • Notify and begin communicating with the local health department (LHD)
      
      • If HCP evaluation is completed and/or test results received after 48 hours, follow algorithm pathway above based upon HCP evaluation outcome or test result.
      • Follow protocols on the COVID-19 School and Local Health Department Coordination for Contact Tracing page to assist the LHD with a full case investigation and contact tracing.