- Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
- Updated COVID-19 Guidance & Information
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News & Updates
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Our Way Forward Updated FAQs
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No, on Friday, February 25, 2022, the CDC changed its guidance saying masks are no longer required on public school transportation.
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You must complete a 5-day exclusion from school. If you are symptomatic, 5 days from the first day of symptoms. Your symptoms must be improving and fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. If you are asymptomatic, you must wait 5 days from the positive test result before returning to school. Everyone must wear a well-fitting mask for 5 more days after you return, unless you have an exemption. Your vaccination status does not change these requirements.
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It is no longer recommended that asymptomatic individuals who are considered close contacts be excluded regardless of vaccination status or mask use. Potentially exposed individuals will be notified but will not be required to be excluded unless they develop symptoms. Close contacts will be asked to wear a mask for 10 days from the last day of exposure.
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As of February 2022, a close contact is defined as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before symptoms began or for asymptomatic positive individuals, 2 days prior to the test specimen collection date.
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Are masks still required in Driver's Education cars?
No, On Friday, February 25, 2022, the CDC changed its guidance saying masks are no longer required on public school transportation which is inclusive of Driver's Education cars.
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What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Watch for Symptoms
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever (100.4 or greater) or chills
- Muscle or body aches
- Sore throat
- Cough (chronic cough due to asthma, allergies; change in baseline)
- Difficulty breathing (with asthma; change in their baseline)
- New Loss of Taste or Smell
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Criteria to Return
- Exclude for 5 days following the first day of symptoms (onset) OR
- Negative- PCR (required if an individual has been exposed in the last 14 days), Molecular or Rapid Antigen Test, Or
- Alternative diagnosis from a healthcare provider *details are not required
- Persons must adhere to ONE of these options AND be fever free for 24 hours without medication AND symptom improvement.
See more information on the CDC website regarding symptoms.
Here is the information from the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services(NCDHHS) website on COVID-19 symptoms and what to look for.
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Are there any special air filtration systems being used in WS/FCS classrooms?
Yes. As of the beginning of this school year, all WS/FCS classrooms and facilities are equipped with Bipolar Ionization technology. Also, the district is currently using federal COVID relief funds to perform nearly $28 million dollars in HVAC upgrades to systems that have been identified as needing updates, upgrades or improvements throughout the district. WS/FCS is also actively exploring other options for large spaces like cafeterias. We are also actively working with community groups to seek the best most up to date systems or system additions in order to ensure our buildings have the highest air quality possible.
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Can we use a take-home COVID-19 test kit?
No, only a negative PCR result can be used for an early return to school or work. While take-home tests can provide reasonably accurate positive results, recommendations suggest a PCR test is the accepted, gold standard for ensuring an accurate negative test.
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Will students out due to quarantine be counted absent? Will they be allowed to make up work?
Students who are out due to quarantine will receive an excused absence. Students will be able to access their assignments through Canvas and will be allowed to make-up any missed assignments.
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What will happen if a student comes to school exhibiting symptoms?
We ask that students always make us aware of any illness or symptoms, but especially those associated with COVID-19 as outlined in the NC StrongSchools Toolkit. We will continue our existing protocols should a student come to school exhibiting symptoms or begin to exhibit symptoms during the school day. That student will go to an established quarantine room at the school and remain there until a parent or guardian can get them home or until they have parents' permission to take a test on-site. If they test negative, they can return to class. A positive test result will signal the beginning of the exclusion process.



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COVID-19 Updated Guidelines February 21, 2022.
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Community COVID-19 Screening Sites
Novant Health Systems is offering testing for anyone at the following location:
Old SEARS Automotive Center
190 Hanes Mall Circle, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Hours: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm DailySign up online to Schedule your COVID-19 Screening at the Winston-Salem SEARS location
Use this link to sign up online with any Novant Health System in North Carolina to Schedule your COVID-19 Screening
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is offering testing for anyone at the following location:
Bowman Gray Stadium (West Lot)
1250 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27107
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (until mid February)
Saturday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (until mid February)Mako Medical is offering testing for anyone at the following location:
Southeast Plaza Shopping Center
3067 Waughtown St., Winston-Salem 27107
Hours: Fri - Mon 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (until mid February)STARMED Healthcare is offering testing for anyone at the following locations:
Galilee Missionary Baptist Church
4129 Northampton Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Hours: M, W, F, Sat 9:00 am - 3:00 pmUnion Baptist Church
1200 Trade St. NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Hours: Mon - Sat 11:00 am - 5:00 pmTo view any location in North Caroline that is offering COVID-19 Screenings visit the NC Dept. of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS) website.
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Parents, families, and students with questions related to the return to school can call our Parent Information Hotline, (336) 661-3120, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. We are here to help!
Los padres, familias y estudiantes con preguntas relacionadas con el regreso a la escuela pueden llamar a nuestra Línea de Servicio para Padres, (336) 661-3120, entre las 7:30 a.m. y las 4:30 p.m. Lunes a viernes. ¡Estamos aquí para ayudar!
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January 2022 Exclusion Guidance for Students and Staff Presenting Symptoms