Capistrano Unified Goes Back To School 2021, Illness Screening

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — It's time to keep an eye on your and your children's health as kids return to the classroom full-or part-time. Capistrano Unified School District aims to help families monitor for illness as students return to campuses across south Orange County.

There are 47,000 students and 5,000 staff and teachers in the Capistrano Unified School District. During the pandemic, they have

"We are excited to welcome you back from Winter Break," school district spokesperson Ryan Buris says. The district aims to remain student-centered and focused on health and safety amid the coronavirus pandemic.

If your student or students are returning to a classroom or hybrid option this week, you should reread the reminders on how to screen for illness at home.

To screen at home:

• Take temperatures each day before going to school. Stay home if you have a fever at or above 100.4 F. Call in, and remain home until your student is symptom-free for 3 days, without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
• Staff members must also self-screen with a temperature check. Employees with a fever of 100.4F or higher should not go to a school site. If you have COVID symptoms, stay home and contact your principal.

Students will have their temperatures taken before arriving on campus. Students must wear facial coverings and follow the signage at school for social distancing. According to Buris, handwashing stations, classroom sneeze guards, and more safety measures have been implemented on campus. Though personal protective equipment will be provided to students and staff, they recommend all students bring their own face coverings.

Anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 14 days should notify the school office staff.

Coronavirus symptoms include:

• Fever 100.4 or higher in the last 24 hours
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chills/unexplained fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• New loss of taste or smell

"If you have traveled and will be quarantining, please contact your teacher for missed work," he said.

For more information, read the CapoUSD Opening and Safety Plan.