The management of 2019 Novel Coronavirus is, as expected, evolving with time and research. There is a global response to contain this virus and we will receive specific guidance from public health organizations. If there is any information that relates to Olathe Public Schools, staff and parents will be informed.
The district is collaborating with public health officials around this issue to ensure that current practices are appropriate.
The CDC recommends the following prevention actions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The support and assistance of our school community when working to contain communicable diseases is vital. Teaching the foundations of healthy habits in the home, self-reporting illness, and keeping sick individuals home are important elements in the success of containing communicable diseases within a community. The diligence of our family partners in this effort is greatly appreciated.
Be mindful that if you experience any symptoms of illness (fever over 100.4 or higher, cough, difficulty breathing), it will be important to contact your healthcare provider prior to returning to be returning to school in order to be evaluated.
Primary Symptoms of COVID-19
(test recommended if one symptom occurs)
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Loss of taste and/or smell (if this occurs, presume you are COVID-positive regardless of results)
Secondary Symptoms
(test recommended if two or more symptoms occur)
- Fever of 100 degrees or more
- Extreme fatigue
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle or body aches
Important to Note
The Olathe Public Schools will not track or require reporting of COVID cases. The district will not provide names of positive cases to the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment. District staff will report the number of COVID cases to JCDHE each week as is done with the other communicable diseases like flu, etc. The following information is being provided as a resource as the district will not enforce exposure or return to school/work general recommendations listed below.
Home test kits are available at no charge to families and staff.
Free Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test kits are available at no charge and can be picked up at all district buildings. Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test kits have an expiration date that is extended by 12 months. Learn more about this extension. If you have questions about your test kit, please contact the manufacturer's customer support line at 1-800-838-9502.
PCR tests for COVID and Influenza A and B are also available at no charge in limited quantities. The PCR tests (nasal swabs) must be completed by the parent/guardian and the test kit delivered to the MAWD Pathology Lab (11070 Strang Line Road, Lenexa, KS 66015) for processing. Please contact your student’s school nurse to obtain PCR test kits.
Funding for both tests was provided by a grant from Kansas Department of Health and Education.
If you have been exposed to or have tested positive for COVID, these are recommendations provided by the Johnson County Health Department:
- If you are a known exposure to an individual who has tested positive for COVID, you should monitor for symptoms for 10 days and test if symptoms develop. Normal attendance is recommended if the individual is symptom-free.
- Staff and students who test positive should isolate at home for five days after the onset of symptoms. On Day 6, those who are fever-free and showing improving symptoms may return to the school/work setting. It is recommended that students and staff wear a mask while around others through Day 10.
Nota Importante
Las Escuelas Públicas de Olathe no harán seguimiento ni requerirán reportar casos de COVID. El distrito no proporcionará nombres de casos positivos al Departamento de Salud y Medio Ambiente del Condado de Johnson. El personal del distrito reportará el número de casos de COVID al Departamento de Salud y Medio Ambiente del Condado de Johnson cada semana como se hace con otras enfermedades contagiosas tales como la influenza, etc. La siguiente información se proporciona como un recurso ya que el distrito no hará cumplir las recomendaciones generales de exposición o de regreso a la escuela/al trabajo que se mencionan a continuación.
Disponemos de kits de pruebas caseras gratuitos para las familias y el personal.
Los kits de prueba casera de antígeno Flowflex COVID-19 están disponibles sin cargo y se pueden obtener en todos los edificios del distrito. Los kits Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test tienen una fecha de caducidad que se extiende por 12 meses. Haga clic aquí para obtener más información sobre esta extensión. Si tiene preguntas sobre su kit de prueba, comuníquese con la línea de atención al cliente del fabricante al 1-800-838-9502.
Las pruebas PCR para COVID e Influenza A y B también están disponibles sin cargo en cantidades limitadas. Las pruebas PCR (hisopos nasales) deben ser completadas por el padre/tutor y el kit de prueba entregado al Laboratorio de Patología de MAWD (11070 Strang Line Road, Lenexa, KS 66015) para su procesamiento. Por favor, póngase en contacto con la enfermera de la escuela de su estudiante para obtener los kits de las pruebas PCR.
La financiación de ambas pruebas procede de una contribución del Departamento de Salud y Educación de Kansas.
Si usted ha estado expuesto o ha dado positivo en la prueba de COVID, estas son las recomendaciones proporcionadas por el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Johnson:
En caso de exposición conocida a un individuo que ha dado positivo en la prueba de COVID, se debe vigilar la aparición de síntomas durante 10 días y realizar la prueba si aparecen síntomas. Se recomienda la asistencia normal si el individuo no presenta síntomas.
El personal y los alumnos que den positivo deben aislarse en casa durante los cinco días siguientes a la aparición de los síntomas. El sexto día, los que no tengan fiebre y presenten síntomas de mejoría podrán volver a la escuela o al trabajo. Se recomienda que los alumnos y el personal lleven mascarilla cuando estén en contacto con otras personas hasta el décimo día.
