What is Test to Stay and why is CTM using that option?

Test to Stay (TTS) allows students and teachers that have been identified as a close contact to stay at school as long as they are asymptomatic. They must also have a negative antigen test result between 24 and 48 hours after exposure and between day 5-7 to continue in person.   Home antigen test kits are acceptable for all testing requirements in the TTS. It is expected that these tests be administered by a parent or legal guardian.  (The DHEC definitions of symptomatic are at the end of this document)

 

Can close contacts stay out for 5 days instead of TTS?

CTM is  encouraging all asymptomatic students and staff to TTS. The 5 day quarantine is an option if the parent chooses. The child must test on day 5 to return on day 6.

 

If you have had covid within the last 90 days do you need to Test to Stay?

If you have had Covid within the last 90 days then you will not need to test to stay.

 

When does a positive case return to school?

A person testing positive regardless of being symptomatic or asymptomatic  must isolate for 5 days at home from the onset of their symptoms or a positive antigen test.  They may return on day 6 if their symptoms have improved and they have been fever free for 24 hours.  If symptoms are persistent or worsen then they must remain out through day 10 and return on day 11. (The DHEC definitions of symptomatic are at the end of this document)

 

 

What happens if the close contact is symptomatic?

Symptomatic close contacts do not qualify for TTS. They must get a test as soon as possible.

If positive or negative – isolate for 5 days at home from the onset of the symptoms. They may return on day 6 if their symptoms have improved and they have been fever free for 24 hours. If symptoms are persistent or worsen then they must remain out through day 10 and return on day 11.  (The DHEC definitions of symptomatic are at the end of this document)

 

 

 

COVID-19 symptoms include any of the following:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• New or worsening cough

• New loss of taste or smell

• Fever of at least 100.4

 

Or any two or more of the following symptoms:

• New onset of severe headache

• Fatigue

• Persistent or worsening sore throat

• Congestion or rhinorrhea

• Myalgia

• Nausea/Vomiting

• Diarrhea