COVID-19

Health Offices located in each school/program play a critical role in providing the necessary mitigation supports to students and staff by:

• Adhering to CDC, NYSED and NYSDOH guidelines for Health and Safety will be expected of all employees, visitors and others entering a Nassau BOCES facility. Students will comply where possible.
• Updating Substitute Nurse Manual to reflect changes in protocols.
• Implementing assessment and intervention will be based upon the First Aide Protocol developed and approved by the Nassau BOCES Medical Director.
• Reviewing students’ immunization status, need for a mandated physical exam, development of a medical alerts list, etc. according to the usual procedure for starting the school year.
• The Health Record for every new student will be sent to Health Office for review prior to the student coming to school.
• Identifying private duty nursing agencies serving our students and inform them of new protocols for building admittance, and performance of procedures.
• Health Office protocols will be updated as needed based upon new guidance from the CDC, NYSDOH, NYSED and the Nassau BOCES Medical Director.
• Explore, identify and utilize a system of Health Office automation in the Nassau BOCES school programs.

COVID-19 Symptoms Referral-Student & Staff

Any student or staff suspected of exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will be immediately sent to the Health Office to be assessed by the school nurse. The school nurse will assess their symptoms and determine if the student and staff should be sent home for follow-up with a healthcare provider.  When necessary, the nurses will also contact the medical director to assist the assessment of the symptoms. Students and/or staff with confirmed symptoms will immediately be transferred to the Isolation Room.

Isolation Room Guidelines

• All programs must have an Isolation Room located in the school building.
• Work with school administrators, nurses, and other healthcare providers to identify an isolation room or area to separate anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or tests positive but does not have symptoms.
• Establish a protocol for identification of possible COVID illness, criteria for isolation and for sending students and others home, criteria and protocol for return to school and reporting to building COVID contact person according to latest CDC, NYSDOH and NYSED and approval of the Medical Director:
  • Immediately separate staff and children with COVID-19 symptoms (such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath) at school.
  • Staff assigned to students must wear gloves, a facemask and maintain 6 feet physical distance
  • Individuals who are sick must go home or to a healthcare facility depending on how severe their symptoms are
  • If calling an ambulance or bringing someone to a healthcare facility, alert them ahead that the person may have COVID-19
  • School nurses and other healthcare providers should use Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions➚ when caring for sick people. See: What Healthcare Personnel Should Know About Caring for Patients with Confirmed or Possible COVID-19 Infection➚.
  • Establish procedures for safely transporting anyone who is sick to their home or to a healthcare facility. If you are calling an ambulance or bringing someone to the hospital, try to call first to alert them that the person may have COVID-19.
• Close off areas used by a sick person and do not use these areas until after cleaning and disinfecting. Wait at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting. If 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible
• Advise sick individuals that they should not return to school until they have met CDC, NYSDOH and NYSED criteria to discontinue home isolation.

Confirmed COVID-19 Notification

• Immediately notify the COVID-19 Administrator for your building of any case of COVID-19 while maintaining confidentiality.

Return to School Guidelines

• Confirmed cases of COVID-19 must have a note from a physician clearing them to return to school.
• Review CDC's What to Do If You Are Sick➚ (See section- How to Discontinue Home Isolation)
• Follow current federal, state, and local guidance CDC, NYSED and
• Consult with Nassau BOCES Medical Director in decision-making for return to school in specific cases.