COVID-19 Resources
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OSD health protocols are continually updated based on the latest guidance. Please refer to Policy 565 and Policy 566 for detailed information, and below for frequently asked questions. In accordance with public health requirements, the Oregon School District maintains a Safe Return to Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan, which was last updated on September 6, 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What should I do if my student is feeling sick?
Keep your student home if they are not feeling well. It is recommended to get a COVID-19 test should you be experiencing the following symptoms.
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What should I do if my student tests positive for COVID-19?
1. Review and follow COVID Illness Policy 565.
2. Report an absence by calling 608-835-4000, Option #1
Reported COVID-19 absences will not count in the 10 excused days.
To be as efficient as possible when calling the attendance line, please state the following information in your message (a school staff member will contact you with information about instruction while your student is absent):
- Your student’s first and last name
- Your name and phone number
- The date symptoms started (if symptomatic)
- The date of the positive test result
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What should I do if there is a positive COVID-19 case in my household?
If there is a positive COVID-19 case in your household, students may come to school as long as they are not experiencing any symptoms. It is recommended that they wear a mask for 10 days from the date of exposure.
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Does my student need to quarantine?
Quarantine is not required if your student is not experiencing symptoms. If your student is not feeling well, please see above.
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Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
Students who display symptoms at school can be tested in our school health office. We are unable to administer tests to students who are not displaying symptoms. To be tested at school students must have an account in the COVID Connect 2 system (the WI Department of Health Services new COVID-19 testing system) by registering here.
There are many locations that offer free COVID-19 testing. You may search for a location via Public Health Madison & Dane County. Make sure to complete any required documentation and call for an appointment at your selected testing location prior to arriving for a test.
In addition to those testing sites, your family may be eligible to participate in the UW Oregon Child Absenteeism due to Respiratory Disease Study (ORCHARDS). This study is looking at household transmission of COVID-19, Influenza and other respiratory viruses. If eligible, research staff will drop off study materials outside of your home for completing 3 nasal swab collections over a 2 week period. Each set of swabs will be picked up after collection and transported to the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene for testing. Since this is a research study, results may not be received as quickly as they would be at the sites listed above. Your family will receive $50 for participating in this study. Call the study line at 608-265-3164 for more details.
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Will the District communicate COVID-19 cases within classrooms?
We will not send COVID-19 notification letters for all COVID-19 cases. We will send notifications in situations where there are outbreaks or patterns of COVID-19 cases.
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Is there ever a time my student could be asked to wear a mask?
There are some occasions in which students may be asked to wear a mask for health and safety purposes:
- If your student displays COVID-19 symptoms, they may be asked to wear a mask in the health office.
- Masks are recommended when returning to school after testing positive for COVID-19 on days 6-10, in accordance with health guidance.
- If there is a classroom or school outbreak, masks may be temporarily required.
- Anyone who wishes to wear a mask at any time is free to do so.
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How can I find information on effective masks?
While masks are not required in school, anyone is free to wear them. Here is the most recent CDC guidance on masks, which includes information on how to properly fit a mask, mask types, and how to clean and store masks.
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Can I get tested for COVID-19 through ORCHARDS?
If your student is experiencing respiratory symptoms, your family may be eligible to participate in the UW Oregon Child Absenteeism due to Respiratory Disease Study (ORCHARDS). This study is looking at household transmission of COVID-19, Influenza and other respiratory viruses. If eligible, research staff will drop off study materials outside of your home for completing 3 nasal swab collections over a 2 week period. Each set of swabs will be picked up after collection and transported to the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene for testing. Since this is a research study, results may not be received as quickly as they would be at general testing sites. Your family will receive $50 for participating in this study. Call the study line at 608-265-3164 for more details.
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How can I schedule a vaccine appointment?
COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone ages 5 and older: schedule a vaccine
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How can I contact my school health office?
Visit OregonSD.org/health.
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How can I find COVID-19 levels in the community?
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Public Health Madison & Dane County publish data on COVID-19 levels within the community: