On January 4, 2021, the school guidance for responding to COVID-19 cases or symptoms was updated by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Our schools work with the Cook County Department of Public Health to respond using the following criteria:

- IDPH Decision Tree for Individuals
- IDPH FAQs

If a student is sent home sick with suspected COVID-19 symptoms during a school day the IDPH guidelines also require that all siblings must also be sent home and quarantine until an alternative diagnosis is made or a negative COVID test result is received. Due to community transmission levels, if an individual is a close contact to a confirmed case or experiencing symptoms, documentation of a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test result is needed. Our school nurse will provide all information when a child is sent home. Our nurse will also remain in contact with the family to ensure appropriate next steps are followed to return to school.