DES MOINES, Iowa — Students at Des Moines Public Schools now only need to be fever-free for 24 hours before they can return to the classroom after a bout of COVID-19.
Iowa Health and Human Services updated state sickness guidelines for child care centers and schools on Feb. 19, adding COVID-19, RSV and influenza to a new category called Respiratory Illness.
That new classification has more lenient protocols than previous COVID-19 guidelines, which required students to isolate for five days after testing positive.
To attend school, a child must:
- Be fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication
- Have mild symptoms that are improving
"This approach, which emphasizes staying home when ill, is welcome. It should also be noted that DMPS is obligated to follow the updated public health guidance," the DMPS news release reads in part.
The CDC still recommends anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 stay home for at least five days and isolate from others, though it is considering updating its policies to a shorter isolation period.
For parents with questions about returning to class after sickness, contact your respective school's nurse to learn more.