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COVID-19

Most Recent COVID 19 Guidance

Most Recent COVID 19 Guidance

Isolation at Home

March 1, 2024

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated its guidance on respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. Avon Grove Charter School continues to follow CDC guidelines regarding illness, and advises the following regarding respiratory illnesses accompanied with a fever. 

Recommendations regarding isolation for students/staff infected with COVID-19

Students/staff can return to school when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:

  • Symptoms are getting better overall and;
  • There is no sign of fever (without the use of fever-reducing medication)

If students/staff have no symptoms or fever but test positive for COVID-19, they can return to school immediately. Upon return, students and staff should wear a mask for at least 5 days.  In addition, we recommend additional precautions such as respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, distancing, and testing.

Seasonal Allergies or COVID-19?

It's easy to confuse symptoms of seasonal allergies with COVID-19. The list below compares symptoms that may overlap with COVID and seasonal allergies.

Symptom Check: Seasonal Allergies or COVID-19?

  • Cough: COVID-19 usually, Allergies sometimes
  • Fever: COVID-19 usualy, Allergies never
  • Muscle aches: COVID-19 usually, Allergies never
  • Tiredness: COVID-19 usually, Allergies sometimes
  • Itchy nose, keyes, mouth, or inner ear: COVID-19 never, Allergies usually
  • Sneezing: COVID-19 rarely, Allergies usually
  • Sore throat: COVID-19 usually, Allergies rarely
  • Runny or stuffy nose: COVID-19 usually, Allergies usually
  • Pink eye (conjunctivitis): COVID-19 sometimes, Allergies sometimes
  • Nausea or vomiting: COVID-19 sometimes, Allergies never
  • Diarrhea: COVID-19 sometimes, Allergies never
  • New loss of taste or smell: COVID-19 usually (early-often without a runny or stuffy nose,) Allergies sometimes

Also, while COVID-19 can cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, seasonal allergies don't usually cause these symptoms unless you have a respiratory condition such as asthma that can be triggered by pollen exposure.

Treatment of seasonal allergies may include over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and decongestants, and avoidance of exposure to allergens where possible. Seasonal allergies may last several weeks.

Mask Requirements

Wearing face coverings is currently optional in all school buildings. AGCS will continue to support and implement the CDC recommendations for isolation and exposure.

Masking FAQ