Menlo School Covid Protocol – Fall 2023
The California Department of Public Health requires everyone who tests positive for Covid—regardless of vaccination status, previous infection, or lack of symptoms—to isolate at home for at least 5 days after the start of symptoms (Day 0), or if no symptoms, for 5 days after the date of the first positive test (Day 0).
End Isolation after Day 5 if:
- No symptoms or symptoms are mild/significantly improving AND no fever for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
- Return to campus on Day 6 if you meet these criteria.
Extend Isolation if:
- Fever persists beyond Day 5—wait to return until 24 hours after the fever has resolved without the use of fever reducing medications (Tylenol and/or Advil).
- If symptoms continue, isolate until symptoms improve or resolve.
Wear a Mask:
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After isolation, wear a well-fitted N95 mask around others for 10 days, especially when indoors. Two consecutive negative tests taken 24 hours apart can end the mask requirement.
For example: Melody originally tested positive on April 25, and isolated for 5 full days. Melody’s Day 6 is Monday, May 1. Her antigen test was positive Monday morning, but she can return to school wearing a mask as she has been fever-free for more than 24 hours, her symptoms have resolved, and she is not taking any medications for fever or other symptoms. On Tuesday morning, May 2, Melody tests negative and comes to school wearing a mask. On Wednesday morning, May 3, Melody, still symptom- and fever-free, tests negative again, allowing her to attend school without a mask.
If Symptoms Return after Isolation
- Stay home when symptomatic; it’s also advised to be tested again. If the test is positive, isolation should restart from Day 0.
Please contact nurse@menloschool.org if your student tests positive for Covid.
Individuals with severe symptoms, those at high risk of serious complications, or those with concerns about their health should consult their healthcare provider for potential treatments.
We continue to ask that all individuals who are feeling unwell, remain home even if they test negative, and until they are feeling better and their symptoms have improved.