KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Kennewick School District has officially removed its COVID-19 policy. From now on, the district will handle all illnesses according to standard procedures.
“Per Department of Health protocol this year, there is no current guidelines for COVID-19,” Kennewick School District Nurse Katy Isley said. “It’s regular back-to-school rules, so no fever for 24 hours, no vomiting, diarrhea, and 24 hours with no medication, then the student can return after COVID-19. There’s no testing requirements or vaccine requirements for COVID-19.”
With this update, remote learning will no longer be an option for students who are sick. KSD recommends students and parents contact their teachers when they are sick to find ways to work from home or makeup work when returning to school.
According to a statement from the Benton Franklin Health District, back-to-school times are known for an increase in illnesses, including COVID-19.
“There’s a lot of illnesses going around because kids are back together. So we’re already seeing it in the health rooms, a lot of runny noses and headaches. But we do our best to keep kids in school,” Isley said.
According to the CDC, current COVID-19 cases are tracked by wastewater levels by region. In Washington, COVID-19 levels in wastewater are twice as high as the national average compared to this time last year. The CDC predicts COVID-19 cases will begin to decrease in the state.
