COVID-19 School Guidance

Planning for a Safe and Healthy School Year

Parents/Guardians can use the following tips and resources to prepare for the coming school year.

Keep students home when they are sick.

• If your student does become sick, report the student’s illness to the school.
• Also report the student’s illness to LCHD using the COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form for Students and School Staff.

Know your risk.

• Learn about your risk for severe illness by talking to your healthcare provider.
• According to the CDC, people with certain medical conditions are more likely to get very sick with COVID-19.
• If you or a family member are at high risk for severe illness, consider taking extra precautions to prevent COVID-19 illness (such as wearing a mask).
• Stay informed about COVID-19 levels in your community.
• CDC COVID-19 Community Levels are a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data.

Make a COVID-19 plan.

• Make a plan for vaccination or learn if you are eligible for boosters. – Talk to your healthcare provider or visit www.vaccines.gov to find a vaccine provider near you.
• Be prepared for COVID-19 testing.
  • Tests are useful for early detections, especially if you have symptoms of COVID-19, were exposed, are planning to attend a large or unmasked gathering, or are planning to travel.
  • Keep a supply of self-test kits at home. You can order free tests at COVIDtests.gov or through Project Access COVID Tests (Project ACT). Alternatively, you can buy tests online or in pharmacies and retail stores. Private health insurance may reimburse the cost of purchasing self-tests. Visit FDA’s website for a list of authorized tests.
  • Find local COVID-19 testing sites by visiting www.solvhealth.com/mi/c/howell-mi-srv-covid-testing.
• Keep a supply of well-fitting masks – Masks are helpful tools to reduce COVID-19 transmission, especially if you are feeling unwell, test positive for COVID-19, have been exposed, or are concerned about your risk level.
• Learn if you are eligible for COVID-19 therapeutics – Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are eligible for preventative antibodies or COVID-19 antiviral treatment if you become infected.
• Make an isolation plan – If one or more of your family members becomes sick and needs to isolate at home, consider how you would get groceries or who would care for your child.

Updated April 28, 2023