Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I am notified that my child is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19?

Individuals exposed to COVID-19 with one of the parties without a mask, either in or outside of school, are considered close contacts and are required to wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days following exposure. 

Should there be any exposure to COVID-19 in a Preschool or Junior Kindergarten classroom, all students within that room will be required to wear masks for 10 days.

My child had a positive test result on a rapid COVID-19 test. The confirmatory test (PCR) results came back negative. Can my child return to school?

Please contact the Nurse for the latest testing algorithm to rule out a false positive.

I traveled out of the state/country, does my child need to quarantine? 

• Cook will follow the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommendations for international travel, requiring unvaccinated individuals to quarantine for 5 days and present a negative COVID-19 test no earlier than 3 days into quarantine in order to return to school.

• Individuals traveling domestically will not be required to submit a negative test or quarantine to return to school; however, any students, faculty, or staff are encouraged to test and may request one at Catherine Cook at any time if they are concerned about exposure. If initiated by government agencies, Cook is required to comply and implement any stated travel requirements.

I was exposed to COVID-19 outside of school. Should I report it?

Yes, if you were exposed to COVID-19 outside of school hours please email please email our COVID-19 Response Team at Covid@ccookschool.org.

Will there be testing after each extended school break (breaks one week or longer)? 

Yes, details will be shared with the community as each school break approaches.

Are at-home tests an acceptable option for testing requirements?

FDA Emergency approved at-home tests may be used for screening after travel or for close contact purposes. They will not be accepted for students, faculty, and staff experiencing symptoms indicative of COVID-19.

Will parents/guardians and visitors be allowed in the school building?

Yes. During the school day, all volunteers and visitors are required to complete a health screening form upon entering school. Visitors that are vaccinated, have a negative test within the past 72 hours, or had COVID-19 in the past 90 days may enter the building and choose to wear a mask when on school grounds working with students or attending meetings and gatherings. Volunteers and visitors should be prepared to show their proof of vaccination, record of a negative test, or confirmation of a COVID-19 diagnosis within the past 90 days via original document or a copy. 

Visitors will be allowed to attend games, performances, and special events after school and must wear a mask. 

If my child is symptomatic at school will they be tested for COVID-19?

Any child exhibiting symptoms of illness with no known diagnosis may be tested for COVID-19 without notification if you have signed the consent waiver in Magnus. Verbal notification will occur before all COVID testing whenever possible.

Will parents/guardians be allowed to enter the building during drop-off?

In order to avoid congestion, parents will not be allowed to enter campus buildings during drop-off. Parents will be required to drop-off their student(s) via the carline and stay in their vehicles or they may use the designated walk up door at the North Park entrance.