Ah yes Curative was the one I heard of that returned tests significantly faster than Kenmore.

Not sure which school you’re at, but ours sent us a helpful list of local testing places. We’ve had good experiences with Sameday Health and Covid McLean, both of which returned PCR results same day (one for a $75 fee, one for supposedly nothing… TBD). Also heard good things about Curative.

I'd go to Kenmore. You can make an appointment and they should let you know in time for kiddo to go back on Wednesday: https://www.resourcepath.net/covid-19-testing-at-a.../symptom-exposed-backtoschool/

With the county testing you'll hear back much sooner, but the school may not accept it. Ours only wants a physician administered PCR

APS also requires a PCR test to return to school for any illness. Our kid had a stomachache last week, stayed home to rest, had to rest for re-entry. (They were constipated.)

Thanks, everyone! Looks like they could send him home for a runny nose, according to APS policy. I couldn’t find this before I posted but did find it now: https://www.apsva.us/school-year-2020-21/health-safety/student-illness-covid/" target="_new" rel="nofollow"> https://www.apsva.us/school-year-2020-21/health-safety/student-illness-covid/

Does anyone know where to get the necessary test and how long it takes? I think I read something about being able to get it at Kenmore but it was much faster someplace else? Or maybe I’ve mixed up my tests.

Looks like I will keep him home tomorrow, probably, maybe longer depending on testing.

I”m not looking to flout the guidelines. I just didn’t know what the guidelines were. (And my kid has allergies so coming to school with a runny nose used to be a totally normal thing.)

Give some allergy medicine to dry up the nose.

Anonymous wrote:Since you've posted this in not FCPS, I will assume you are not in FCPS (where the advice would be different). If your school will not send the kid home and then impose tasks that demand a bunch of time on your part -- i.e. the long slog to getting a PCR test -- then I would follow good sense. Do an at home test to rule out COVID and send to school if it looks like just a cold.

This is what I would do too.

Anonymous wrote:No fever, but his nose is running and there is some nose blowing. Took a COVID home test in an abundance of caution and it was negative. This afternoon we got a temperature of 99.4, where he is normally around 98.5, and now it’s back down to 98.4. I don’t think this qualifies as a fever but should we keep him home to be safe? Does anyone know where to find the rules on illnesses during the times of Covid? Thanks

That definitely doesn’t actually qualify as a fever but is enough of a temp that it could be making your son feel crummy-weak, achy, etc. if he’s feeling bad and blowing his nose a lot I would keep him home.

Anonymous wrote:Just as an FYI from recent experience- a new runny nose alone results in exclusion from school unless you have a negative PCR test or doctor’s note with alternative diagnosis, per APS policy.

+1. You have to get the PCR test. Please do the right thing so you don’t endanger other students if it turns out to be covid.

Just as an FYI from recent experience- a new runny nose alone results in exclusion from school unless you have a negative PCR test or doctor’s note with alternative diagnosis, per APS policy.

Please, send your sick kid into school so the rest of us can share in the joy of your child making the rest of us sick.

Thanks very much, folks1. And sorry, we are in Arlington - APS. I forgot this forum included other school districts!

Since you've posted this in not FCPS, I will assume you are not in FCPS (where the advice would be different). If your school will not send the kid home and then impose tasks that demand a bunch of time on your part -- i.e. the long slog to getting a PCR test -- then I would follow good sense. Do an at home test to rule out COVID and send to school if it looks like just a cold.

I would absolutely send to school. I do at home tests for sniffles and congestion and send if negative. If my kid has a cough then I do a lab rapid test. If fever, lab PCR test.

No fever, but his nose is running and there is some nose blowing. Took a COVID home test in an abundance of caution and it was negative. This afternoon we got a temperature of 99.4, where he is normally around 98.5, and now it’s back down to 98.4. I don’t think this qualifies as a fever but should we keep him home to be safe? Does anyone know where to find the rules on illnesses during the times of Covid? Thanks