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 or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

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.

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.  

With a confirmed positive case, the individual must complete a 5-Day exclusion from school. Specifics are as follows:

• Symptoms: 5 days from first day of symptoms. Symptoms must be improving and fever-free for 24 hours.

• Asymptomatic: 5 days from the positive test.

• Must Adhere to strict mask wearing for 5 more days with both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.

The vaccination Status DOES NOT APPLY with a confirmed positive case. 

Per the December 2021 Board of Education vote, masks are required inside all WS/FCS buildings and facilities. The guidelines do say masks are optional ONLY for those participants that are actively playing or performing in and arts or sports activity. This does not include side lines, sitting on the bench, in the wings, or practices/tryouts if indoors. This also does not include those students that have been a close contact or confirmed/presumed positive case that is required to adhere to strict mask wearing for 5 additional days after they complete their 5 days of exclusion. 

Per state guidelines, The Board of Education must revisit the mandate monthly. 

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. 

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.