Health and Safety at Newport News Public Schools

Staff/Student/Visitor Daily Self-Screening Questionnaire: Staff, students and visitors will be asked to conduct a self-screening questionnaire daily before coming to school; if they answer YES to any of the questions, they should not report to school or work and should begin isolation at home. Visitors will be told about the questionnaire when they call for an appointment. The questionnaires will be posted at entrances, available online and explained over the phone. Visitors will be encouraged to make virtual appointments whenever possible.

Parents/guardians should notify the school if their child is diagnosed with COVID-19.

Individuals who choose not to test must isolate at home for 5 days after symptoms begin. Individuals who choose to test for COVID-19 and/or see a medical provider may return sooner after providing proof of a negative test, alternative diagnosis, or note from the provider indicating they may return, provided symptoms are improving and the individual has been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Hygiene: Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is best, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. (Singing Happy Birthday twice is about 20 seconds).

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Be careful that young children do not use sanitizer unsupervised because of the alcohol content.

Cough/Sneeze Etiquette involves coughing or sneezing into your elbow. Education, demonstration and signage will be age appropriate and will include information about not touching your face with your hands.

The use of face masks is optional for all students and staff with the exception of individuals who develop COVID-19 symptoms at school or work, staff caring for symptomatic individuals, and individuals returning to school or work after isolation on day 6-10. For those who are unwilling or unable to mask on days 6-10 after isolation, the VDH recommends two negative test results. The first test should be taken on day 6, and the second test should be taken 48 hours after the first test.

Visitors and Volunteers
Wearing a mask is optional for parents/guardians, visitors, volunteers and tutors while inside schools and administrative offices and on school buses.

Important Information for Everyone
Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms or who test positive for COVID-19 should wear a face mask and follow isolation guidelines. Disposable masks will be available to individuals who need or request one.

Newport News Public Schools remains committed to the health and wellbeing of all students, staff and visitors.