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2022 COVID-19 Testing in Maine Schools

2022 COVID-19 Testing in Maine Schools

Parent/Staff Information for Home Test Kits

My school provided me with COVID19 Test Kits How can I use these tests?

Approved Uses for Tests

  1. Have symptoms consistent with COVID19:

    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

  2. Close contact with someone with COVID19:
    o Test at Home to Stay in School: serial testing of asymptomatic unvaccinated students using at home tests who have been identified as a close contact of a confirmed COVID- 19 case. These tests should be self-administered or administered by the parent or guardian before the individual goes to school. Contact your school for specific instructions for frequency of testing and reporting results.

    o Even with testing, close contacts must wear a well-fitting mask at all times for 10 days following the COVID-19 exposure when around others indoors, except while eating or drinking.

A POSITIVE test should be reported to the school nurse or designated school person as soon as possible.

Follow the Maine CDC guidelines for isolation.

o Isolation Chart - https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious- disease/epi/airborne/documents/COVID-19-Isolation-Flow-Chart.pdf

Follow package directions carefully to ensure accurate results. Keep tests away from small children.

View the video that matches the name of your test below

o Self-Testing Videos | CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/self-testing- videos.html

Order more free tests for other family members from these sources:

United States Government: https://www.covidtests.gov/

State of Maine Project ACT: https://accesscovidtests.org/

For a person who has symptoms of COVID-19

  1. Symptoms develop at school

    If a student/staff develops symptoms at school, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, test at school if available. Even if negative, they should go home. A home test may be used 48 hours later if symptoms continue. If positive, follow isolation guidelines. If negative, student/staff should stay home until symptoms are resolving and they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

  2. Symptoms develop at home

    If a student/staff develops symptoms at home, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, stay home and use a Home Test. Even if negative, they should stay home. A home test may be used 48 hours later if symptoms continue. If positive, follow isolation guidelines. If negative, student/staff should stay home until symptoms are resolving and they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

  3. Student/Staff tests positive

If any test for COVID-19 becomes positive, follow isolation guidelines.

o Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your- health/quarantine-isolation.html

For a person who is a Close Contact

  1. Student/staff that is a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19

    1. Should test on day 5.

    2. A negative test does not release an individual from quarantine.

    3. If symptoms develop, test as soon as possible. If negative, repeat in 48 hours.

      Home Test Information - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/self-testing.html

    4. Stay home while sick - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-

      sick.html

  2. Someone in my house tested positive and cannot separate completely from other family members.

If student/staff is a continuous household exposure:

    1. Please test as soon as possible if staff/student develops any symptoms of COVID-19

    2. If no symptoms, test on day 5 of their positive family member’s isolation.

    3. Individuals may test again 5 days after the last positive person’s isolation ends. If there is more than

      one positive person in the household, consult with the school nurse for testing guidelines.

    4. A negative test does not release an individual from quarantine.

Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your- health/quarantine-isolation.html