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How can I stay informed about COVID-19 cases in my student’s school?
As VDH no longer requires schools to contact trace individual COVID-19 cases, LCPS will no longer contact trace individual cases. In accordance with VDH requirements, LCPS will continue to partner with the Loudoun County Health Department and contact trace if there are outbreaks or when sustained transmission is thought to be occurring within a classroom or school.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes a COVID-19 Community Level tool that helps communities and families decide prevention steps to take based on the latest data.

Will students and visitors still need to wear masks?
Masks are optional in school, on buses and on LCPS property for students and visitors*. The VDH has information about masks available on their website.
*Masks are required for Head Start programs. Masks are still required for participants in Head Start programs in schools and on buses serving these programs*. (Head Start Office)

Will my child be treated differently if they do or don’t wear a mask? 
We encourage all students to talk to their families about their mask decisions. We will encourage all students to be accepting of their peers' choices and will continue to foster an affirming and welcoming environment. 

My student or someone in my household is high-risk and I am concerned about exposure. What can we do?
Talk to your student about the importance of masking, physical distancing, and frequent handwashing so that they can make choices that are right for your family. 

What about field trips or other activities? 
On a field trip, or for an activity, wearing a mask will be governed by the rules at that destination.

How do I request a BinaxNOW COVID-19  At-Home test for my student?
A free diagnostic test is available while supplies last from your student’s school. Should your student experience symptoms you suspect are COVID-related, you may obtain a test from your school. Should your student be sent home from school with COVID-related symptoms, you may also opt for a diagnostic test from the school.

How should I report a COVID-19 case?
Let your school nurse or health clinic specialist know if your student has been diagnosed with COVID-19. VDH guidance states that persons who test positive (regardless of vaccination status) should isolate themselves at home for at least 5 days. If they are asymptomatic or symptoms are resolving and they have been fever-free for 24 hours, they may return to programming after Day 5, provided that either: 

• If the individual is able to mask, they should do so through Day 10.

• If the individual is unable or unwilling to mask during this time (including children under age 2), VDH recommends a negative test on or after Day 6 in order to return to programming 

• OR the person should remain home through day 10.

We will recommend, but not require, that students follow these recommendations. Check VDH guidance.

Does my child, who tested positive, need a doctor’s note to return to school?
A doctor’s note is not required. Students must follow attendance procedures when absent, per Policy 8140 (updated 11.9.21) and Regulation 8140 (updated 11.18.21).  

Where can I find more information about vaccines available?
Vaccinations are the leading public health strategy to prevent hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 (CDC COVID-19 Community Levels). For information on where to find your vaccine, visit vaccines.gov. 

Where will I find data about COVID-19 cases? 
LCPS will no longer maintain a separate dashboard for reporting cases. Community members should visit the Loudoun County Health Department  data page or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Community Level tool that helps communities and families decide prevention steps to take based on the latest data.

Can I ask students to voluntarily wear masks in my classroom / work space?
No. Mask wearing for students is optional and is a decision they make with their parents.

Do I still need to submit proof of my COVID-19 vaccines?
No, employee testing and vaccine mandates have been indefinitely suspended.

I tested positive for COVID. Do I need a doctor’s note to return to work?
A doctor’s note is not required. Employees should confirm that they have isolated for at least 5 days as still recommended by the CDC, have not had a fever for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication and that their symptoms are improving. Upon returning to work, the employee should wear a close-fitting mask for days 6-10. If an employee is unable or unwilling to wear a mask, two negative COVID tests taken 48 hours apart on or after day 6 are required or the individual may continue to isolate for day 6-10. Find out more at CDC COVID-19 Isolation Guidance..

What type of leave should I use if I am caring for someone in my house with COVID?
Employees may use sick leave if they are caring for a family member.

Is working from home an option for school-based personnel if you are not a classroom teacher?
School-based personnel do not have the option to work remotely when students are present. Principals have discretion to allow remote work on non-student days. 

How can I get a new mask from LCPS?
Adult and child-sized cloth and disposable masks are available upon request. Please work with your supervisor to order more for your work site.

If any staff members are interested in an N95 mask, they may request to be added to the Voluntary Use Program by letting their supervisor know. Staff will then receive an email from the Environmental Health and Safety Office containing instructions to complete a Google Form and will have access to respiratory protection training through SafeSchools. Once completed, staff will be placed on an approved list and may access N95s available at all locations.

Where can I get free COVID home tests?
Tests are available by request from the federal government and shipped directly to your home address. Your insurance provider will reimburse you for home tests that you purchase, and you may request a home test be sent to you at your worksite by completing the form at this link). Please note that only 1 test kit per person may be requested from this link, and is intended only for the use of the employee.

Where will I find data about COVID-19 cases? 
LCPS will no longer maintain a separate dashboard for reporting cases. Community members should visit the Loudoun County Health Department  data page or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Community Level tool that helps communities and families decide prevention steps to take based on the latest data.

Do I need to quarantine if exposed to COVID? 
LCPS follows CDC guidance for staff. Current CDC guidance states that you do not have to quarantine if you are exposed to COVID-19 if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines. You are up to date when you have received all doses in the primary series and one booster when eligible. Visit the CDC for more information.