Q: What does the latest household contacts isolation plan look like for us?

A: The Tennessee Department of Health guidelines state that household contacts must be quarantined for 14 days after the case has completed their (minimum) 10-day isolation period (whether the case is symptomatic or not). If a household contact develops symptoms of COVID-19 they become a case. They should begin isolation as a case and consider getting tested. "Household contact is an individual who shares any living spaces with a case. This includes bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, kitchens, etc." This means that if someone in your house tests positive for COVID, then you will have to quarantine for 24 days from the onset of symptoms of the positive case. Now, this would change if the person in quarantine ends up testing positive; at that point, the person could come out of isolation after 10 days of the onset of symptoms or if no symptoms, the 10 days after testing positive to COVID. Complete details from the state Department of Health can be found here.

Q: Would you ever require a student to be tested for COVID-19?

A: No. It is the decision of the parent/guardian to have the child tested if they deem necessary. However, we may require a physician note of clearance prior to the child returning to campus if the child presents with what we feel are reasonable signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

Q: If masks are encouraged and or mandatory, will you mandate uniform and/or approved masks to ensure that they are safe and effective?

A: Uniform masks are available for purchase, however, we also want to encourage comfort and personality! Masks or buffs/gaiters can be of the family's choosing as long as they adhere to the same standards as our dress-down day dress code. If you would prefer a disposable surgical mask that would be fine too.

Q: If kids are outside and wearing masks, can they be less than 6 feet apart?

A: Ideally to minimize the spread of COVID-19, students will remain 6 feet apart or greater at all times. However, wearing masks will help lower the risk of spread if two individuals were to come within closer proximity than 6 feet. We are all doing the best we can to minimize the spread of COVID-19 by wearing our masks and staying 6 feet apart; however, we understand that it would be nearly impossible to keep children greater than 6 feet apart at all times. The outdoors has great ventilation, but it is still recommended that individuals remain 6 feet apart or greater while outdoors.

Q: Will entire classes have to quarantine if a student tests positive?

A: If the entire class was with the student that tested positive for 15 minutes or greater and less than 6 feet from the student, then yes, the entire class would have to follow exposure policy below and quarantine for 14 days or if they ended up testing positive themselves, then they would follow the criteria for testing positive for COVID-19.

If a person states he/she has been exposed to any high-risk individuals or is considered a high-risk individual, then that person can choose whether to receive testing.

If no test conducted or negative test result, then: 14-day quarantine and must be symptom-free and fever-free without a fever-reducing agent for 24 hours prior to returning to campus.

If positive test result, then: above criteria for “testing positive for COVID-19” must be met in order to return to campus.

Q: If someone in my household receives COVID testing, do I need to remain off-campus?

A: Yes, if a student or staff member receives COVID testing for any reason, then other family members need to remain off campus until the COVID test result is negative. (A rapid test would be ideal in order for your children to return to campus as quickly as possible.)

Q: If a sibling is sent home due to exposure, do the rest of the siblings have to quarantine? 

A: If a sibling is sent home due to exposure, then the other siblings and parents do NOT have to remain off-campus unless the exposed individual begins showing symptoms of COVID. At that point, the entire family would need to quarantine until the exposed, symptomatic individual receives his/her test results.

Q: Why do I have to quarantine for an entire 14 days after being exposed to someone that has tested positive for COVID even after I have received my negative test results? 

A: The rationale behind the 14 days of quarantine is because thus far research has shown that individuals can test positive up to 14 days after exposure to someone that has tested positive for COVID. So let's say an individual was tested on day 5 after exposure and tested negative, technically that individual could still be positive for COVID on day 14 after exposure. Thus, right now the CDC recommends that individuals quarantine 14 days after exposure due to this possibility. Now, if in quarantine one was to test positive, then that individual would then follow a different timeline. So, unfortunately, at this time, even if one tested negative after exposure to someone that tested positive, the exposed individual would still have to quarantine the full 14 days unless that individual ended up testing positive. There is no "lesser term."

Q: What do I do if I wake up sick and/or Ascend marks me ineligible for school?

A: If your child is sick, email awidener@silverdaleba.org AND attendance@silverdaleba.org. If your child presents with any COVID-related symptoms, your child must be cleared by a physician prior to return (doctor’s note must be sent to the school nurse at 423.892.2147 or emailed to awidener@silverdaleba.org).

Q: What do I do if I accidentally mark a symptom in Ascend and it marks my child ineligible?

A: If you ACCIDENTALLY click on a symptom that does not reflect your child’s current state, email nurse@silverdaleba.org.

Q: Why do I need to complete the Ascend daily log every weekday even if I am virtual or off-campus for a couple of days?

A: It is essential that you complete your Ascend daily log during each weekday because Ascend uses an algorithm that takes into account previous day's entries in showing the probability of you displaying COVID-like symptoms. For instance, if you have a cough, then a few days later develop body aches as well then Ascend will mark you as ineligible because they see the big picture of you developing more COVID-like symptoms.