Town of Norwood Shares Procedures Put in Place for Potential COVID-19 Cases in Schools

NORWOOD — General Manager Tony Mazzucco, Health Director Sigalle Reiss and Superintendent of Schools David L. Thomson wish to share information regarding procedures that have been put in place in the event that a case of COVID-19 is identified in the schools or if someone in the schools becomes symptomatic.

For information on the Norwood Public Schools reopening plan, click here.

If someone in the schools becomes symptomatic while at home, they will be advised to

stay home. If someone becomes symptomatic while at school, the individual shall be isolated until they can safely leave the premises. Each school in the district will have a designated room for this purpose.

All symptomatic individuals will be urged to seek medical advice and shall remain out of school until their test results are reported or the individual is diagnosed.

If a COVID-19 case is not identified following a test:

• If symptomatic, the individual is asked to stay out of school until 24-hour fever/symptom free.

If a positive COVID-19 case is identified following a test:

• The Norwood Public Health Nurse will work with the School Nurse and Principal to conduct contact tracing.
• The Public Health Nurse/School Nurse will communicate with each close contact and/or class or cohort to instruct them on a 14-day quarantine process.
• Once a case is identified, the area of exposure as determined by investigation will close for 48 hours. Cleaning protocols require the facility to close for 24 hours before cleaning. Cleaning can start 24 hours after known exposure to the area/building. In-house cleaning is in accordance with CDC guidelines.

“The Town of Norwood Public Health Department, the Norwood Public Schools and the School Committee worked diligently to create a plan that balances the needs of our students and staff with the safety of everyone involved,” Superintendent Thomson said. “While we are hoping all individuals in the schools stay as safe and healthy as possible during the reopening, we know the importance of being prepared and proactive, which is why we have worked hard in coming up with these procedures should an individual become symptomatic or a COVID-19 case be identified.”

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