COVID-19 FAQ for Families

How will APS ensure buses are safe?

Drivers have been instructed to continue the practice of putting all school bus windows down at least to the midpoint when weather permits to help increase outside air circulation. This protocol is being reiterated in this week’s driver training sessions.

Will APS provide outdoor lunch?

We remain committed to providing safe and healthy school environments. S schools will continue to provide outdoor lunch as an option for students to the extent that weather and staffing allows. This school year, because school meals must be purchased in the cafeteria, all students will need to go through the lunch line to obtain their school-provided meals regardless of whether they are eating indoors or out. This is a difference from last year when grab and go options were available.

Plans for student lunch vary by school, given differences in grade levels, outside and inside space available, student enrollment, and scheduling for the lunch period. Each school will communicate specific outdoor plans with their families.

What steps can families take if they believe their student is at high risk of COVID?

Per CDC guidance, students at high risk for severe illness should wear a high-quality mask or respirator in indoor settings when Community Transmission Level is Medium or High.

If a student has an existing healthcare, IEP, or 504 Plan, and would like to request an accommodation because of high-risk COVID complications based on a medical diagnosis, their parent or guardian should request to meet with the school’s IEP or 504 team.

 How will APS work to keep COVID positive students who return from isolation after day 5 away from high-risk students?

APS is aligned with CDC guidance in ensuring that students complete isolation when students are most likely to be infectious and do not return to school while symptomatic. Guidance sent to families of students who test positive will include information about maintaining distance from others after returning to school. In order to return to school on day 6, students must be symptom free and are required to wear a mask on days 6-10 (or provide negative test results). This is in alignment with current guidelines for minimizing transmission risk to the extent that is feasible. APS will continue taking steps to ensure that meals are safe for all students through strategies including outdoor options and distancing where possible as students return from isolation during days 6-10.

What should I do if my student tests positive for COVID-19? 

Please use the link below to report positive COVID test results.  You will need your student’s ID to login.

Report your student’s positive case here
Once you complete this report, you will receive additional guidance about isolation and returning to school. This report automatically notifies your school’s attendance desk of your student’s absence.If you need assistance accessing the form, please contact  covid@apsva.us with the subject line “Student Report”.

• Your student will be required to isolate for 5 days, regardless of vaccination status.The day the student tests positive or symptoms start (whichever is first), counts as day 0.
• Students can return on Day 6 if they meet the following:
  • Fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication
  • Symptoms are improving or have gone away completely
  • Able to wear a well-fitting mask for days 6-10
    • Per updated CDC/VDH guidance, students unable or unwilling to mask on Days 6-10 must provide two negative tests taken 48 hours apart, with the first test being taken on Day 6. Students may still return on Day 6, but will need to wear a mask in school until both tests are negative.   Submit documentation here.

What should I do if my student is sick?

Students who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms, including cough, fever, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, and congestion, should stay home. Before returning to school, families must provide one of the following:

• • A negative COVID test OR
  • Clearance from a healthcare provider with alternate diagnosis for the symptoms

PCR tests, provider attended rapid antigen tests, and at-home rapid test results will all be accepted.  The test must be taken after your student began experiencing symptoms.

Submit documentation for clearance here. You will need your student’s ID to log in.

Students with COVID-like symptoms who do not provide a negative test result or provider clearance should complete a 5-day isolation and follow procedures for students who test positive.

When can my student return to school after testing positive?

• • Your student can return to school on Day 6 of their isolation period as long as symptoms have significantly improved or resolved. The day the student tests positive or symptoms start (whichever is first), counts as day 0. They must mask on Days 6 – 10.
  • Students who mask for Days 6-10 are not required to provide a negative test in order to return.
  • Per updated CDC/VDH guidance,
  • students unable or unwilling to mask on Days 6-10 must provide two negative tests taken 48 hours apart, with the first test being taken on Day 6. Students may still return on Day 6, but will need to wear a mask in school until both tests are negative.   Submit documentation here.

What should I do if my student was exposed to COVID as a close contact?

 Quarantine is no longer recommended regardless of vaccination status. You should monitor your student’s health and continue sending them to school as long as they remain symptom-free.

It is recommended, but not required to:

• • Test 5 days after exposure
  • Mask for 10 days after exposure

Free rapid tests are available by request from your school’s clinic. If your student develops symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, have them tested for COVID and keep them at home until you know the result.

• • If they test positive, report it to the school and follow isolation procedures.
  • If they test negative, report it to the school and they will be cleared to return.

 How do I register my student for in-school testing?

• • If this is your student’s first time participating:
    • You can OPT IN here
  • If your student participated last year:
    • You should renew your consent directly through the PrimaryHealth portal. Instructions were sent to the email you previously registered with. If you need assistance renewing consent, please reach out to covid@apsva.us.

How do I opt out my student from in school testing?

• • You can opt out your student here
  • Opt-outs are processed weekly by Wednesday at 5 pm.

Will COVID-related absences negatively impact my student’s attendance record?

• COVID-related absences when students test positive or have COVID-like symptoms are considered excused absences.
• It is important to report your student’s test results to ensure proper attendance coding. Reporting a positive test result will automatically notify your school’s attendance desk.