Covid-19 Information
Over the past year, we have learned a tremendous amount about ourselves and what we value most; about our school community and its resilience.
As we begin the 2021-2022 school year, we have much more knowledge and experience with managing and mitigating COVID-19, but our work is not yet over. As we manage the new variables surrounding the Delta variant and await the arrival of vaccines for students under the age of 12, we will continue to employ the layered prevention and mitigation strategies that served us so well last year.
We encourage you to read (or re-read) last year’s detailed 2020-2021 Return-to-School Plan to familiarize yourself with the many, many ways we adapted school to manage health and safety. Some of our approach has changed, but much of that plan remains in operation again this year. This document, for the 2021-2022 school year is shorter and is meant to highlight those strategies that will continue this year and those that are different.
Saliva Testing Results
Collection Date: May 25, 2022
Total Samples: 468
Positive Results: 7
COVID-19 Protocols and Guidelines
- REVISED PROTOCOLS (March 2022)
- Isolation and Quarantine Protocols
- SHIELD Saliva Testing
- Travel Guidance
- NSCD Illness Protocol
- PCR Testing Locations
- Latest Communication
- Trusted Resources
- Reopening Webinar
- Report An Absence
REVISED PROTOCOLS (March 2022)
- What COVID-19 mitigations have changed?
- What mitigation strategies will remain to continue to promote a healthy community?
- What will happen to all-school COVID-19 testing?
- How will the school continue to encourage community members to monitor and manage illnesses?
- What about participation in athletics and other extracurricular activities?
- Will there be remote access to direct instruction for students?
- What internal/external metrics will be used for consideration of mitigation layering?
What COVID-19 mitigations have changed?
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North Shore Country Day will shift to a mask-recommended environment for students and staff, SK-12, beginning March 4. Junior kindergarten students and their teachers will continue to wear masks indoors.
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It is recommended that unmasked persons maintain a physical distance of at least 3 feet while indoors.
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Per recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)—masks can help protect you and others from COVID-19.
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Masks are required under the following conditions:
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After returning from isolation (after a positive COVID-19 result) or quarantine (after exposure), individuals will be required to wear a mask through “Day 10,” even if able to return to campus by “Day 6.”
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This includes while riding the school bus and/or while participating in extracurricular activities (ex. athletics, instrumental ensemble, choral activities and theater performances).
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When in a one-on-one instructional setting, if one individual is masked, the other individual will also be expected to mask, whether a student or a teacher.
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Weekly SHIELD PCR testing will continue through the week of April 4 (and on an “as needed” basis thereafter) for all students, faculty and staff regardless of their vaccination status.
What mitigation strategies will remain to continue to promote a healthy community?
- Monitoring your health daily. Be alert for symptoms. Stay home if you are ill.
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Maintaining hygiene/cleanliness:
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Facilitate hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
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Continue daily cleaning and evening disinfection of facilities.
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Provide ample hand sanitizer throughout campus.
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Encouraging physical distancing:
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Organize classrooms, learning spaces and other common spaces such that physical distancing of 3 feet is possible and encouraged.
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Facilitate operations of each division and divisional and all-school events such that physical distancing of 3 feet is possible and encouraged across settings.
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Continue to manage areas where students and staff eat lunch and snack in order to provide 3-6 feet of space.
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All individuals returning from isolation (positive) or quarantine (exposed) will remain 6 feet apart from others while eating lunch/snack for a full 10 days, even if able to return to campus by “Day 6.”
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Maintaining high-quality indoor air through ventilation systems:
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Maximize fresh air exchange, and optimal ventilation performance and air purification for campus buildings.
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Utilize outdoor instruction, when appropriate.
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Implement outdoor lunch seating opportunities, weather permitting and when appropriate.
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Encouraging employees and eligible students to keep vaccination status up-to-date.
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Providing education regarding COVID-19, variants and other common infectious diseases.
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Promoting respect of individual needs and differences of opinion:
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Promoting kindness, inclusion, mutual respect and a sense of belonging for all.
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Emphasizing reducing fear and anxiety.
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Providing social-emotional classroom instruction and supports in conjunction with SEL programming and curricula.
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Ensuring availability of masks at division offices.
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Ongoing review of public health guidance for schools.
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Facilitating access to reasonable accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act.
What will happen to all-school COVID-19 testing?
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Weekly SHIELD PCR testing will continue through the week of April 4 (and on an “as needed” basis thereafter) for all students, faculty and staff regardless of their vaccination status.
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Lab-based testing is required for symptomatic individuals to return to school.
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Negative at-home test results are not accepted, per the local health department.
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Free PCR testing is available widely through community testing sites, pharmacies and hospitals.
How will the school continue to encourage community members to monitor and manage illnesses?
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Promote healthy habits and personal symptom monitoring in accordance with public health guidance.
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Stay home if you are unwell.
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The school will continue to follow COVID-19 guidance for schools from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH).
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19:
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Everyone who tests positive for COVID, regardless of vaccination status, must do the following:
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Stay home and isolate for a minimum of five days and a maximum of 10 days after the first day of symptoms or the date the positive test was taken if asymptomatic.
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Individuals may return to school after five days if they are symptom-free AND have been free of fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea for at least 24 hours without the use of over-the-counter medication, and other symptoms have improved.
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Be aware that your clinical provider may determine you need a longer period of isolation based on certain underlying conditions such as a weakened immune system.
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All individuals returning from isolation will be required to wear a mask through “Day 10,” even if able to return to campus by “Day 6.”
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This includes while riding the school bus and/or while participating in extracurricular activities (ex. athletics, instrumental ensemble, choral activities and theater performances).
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All individuals returning from isolation will remain 6 feet apart from others while eating lunch/snack for a full 10 days, even if able to return to campus by “Day 6.”
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Anyone returning from isolation on “Day 6” who fails to properly wear an appropriate face covering at all times (except when eating/drinking) will be sent home for the full 10-day isolation period.
Individuals with COVID-19-like symptoms:
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Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, must immediately be excluded from school until:
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A negative PCR test result confirms the symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.
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Negative COVID-19 diagnostic tests are valid only for the date on which they are collected; positive specimens collected 48 hours prior to symptom onset, after symptom onset, or while symptoms are present (within 48 hours) are acceptable for determining school exclusion status.
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Per the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH), a negative PCR test result is required to return to school. If testing is not completed within 48 hours of symptom onset, individuals must remain off campus for a minimum of five calendar days, and be free of fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea for at least 24 hours without the use of over-the-counter medication, and other symptoms have improved.
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Individuals who develop symptoms and do not submit proof of a negative PCR test result must continue to wear a mask around others through “Day 10.”
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This includes while riding the school bus and/or while participating in extracurricular activities (ex. athletics, instrumental ensemble, choral activities and theater performances).
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Anyone returning from isolation on “Day 6” who fails to properly wear an appropriate face covering at all times (except when eating/drinking) will be sent home for the full 10-day isolation period.
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Those testing positive should be excluded from school and follow guidance for persons testing positive.
What about participation in athletics and other extracurricular activities?
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Mitigation strategies will also apply to athletics and extracurricular activities.
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When our teams compete at other schools, our teams’ players, coaches and visitors will respectfully adhere to the other school’s requirements for face coverings.
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Athletic and extracurricular activities may be temporarily suspended as a layered mitigation strategy.
Will there be remote access to direct instruction for students?
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For absences specifically due to a COVID-19 diagnosis (isolation) or an exposure to COVID-19 (quarantine), families should contact their divisional administrators for their guidelines pertaining to remote learning.
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For absences unrelated to COVID-19 and/or of short duration (three days or fewer), typical absence procedures will be followed.
What internal/external metrics will be used for consideration of mitigation layering?
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Internal and external metrics will include:
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Internal assessment of positive cases by grade, class and division
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School vaccination rates
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Positivity rate in New Trier Township
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Rate of hospitalizations (Illinois Region 10)
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An administrative recommendation to add or reduce mitigation layers is contingent upon an assessment of the combined impact of all metrics, rather than a predetermined threshold for a given indicator.
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Further reduction in mitigation measures will be evaluated weekly based on a review of internal metrics, public health guidance and operational needs.
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A recommendation to reduce mitigation strategies further will be made no less than two weeks from last reduction.
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In consultation with the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH), the administration may recommend the modification of mitigation strategies based on consideration of the local COVID-19 metrics listed.
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Note: CCDPH has the authority to order the temporary isolation of an individual, or closure of a classroom/grade/school, and conditions for return to school based on their independent assessment of the health risks under a given health situation.
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Layered mitigation strategies may be utilized at a classroom, grade or division, and may include the following.
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Physical distancing of desks, lunchroom seating, during school activities and transportation.
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Use of face coverings.
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Temporary suspension of school activities (e.g., athletics, clubs, gatherings)
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Temporary modification of learning environment (e.g., in-person, remote)
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A targeted increase in mitigation strategies will be reviewed and considered when the classroom, grade, team or division level cases reach the “orange.” A targeted increase in mitigation strategies must occur when the classroom, grade, team or division level cases reach the “red.”
METRICS FOR CONSIDERATION OF MITIGATION LAYERING |
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METRIC | BLUE | YELLOW | ORANGE | RED |
New Cases Per 100,000 Rate |
<10 | 10-49 | 50-99 | >100 |
School-Level Cases (assessed divisionally) | <9 | 10-24 | 25-39 | >40 |
Positivity Rate in New Trier Township | <5% | 5%-7.9% | 8%-9.9% | >10% |
School Vaccination Rate |
>80% | 70%-79% | 60-69% | <60% |
Isolation and Quarantine Protocols
- Updated Isolation Protocols (For COVID-19 positive individuals)
- Updated Quarantine Protocols (For exposure to COVID-19)
- Positive Test FAQs
- Close Contact FAQs
Updated Isolation Protocols (For COVID-19 positive individuals)
Updated isolation protocols for COVID-19 positive individuals:
Students, teachers and staff with a positive COVID-19 test result are required to isolate for a minimum of five days. Day 0 is the day the positive test specimen was collected, if asymptomatic at time of testing, OR the first day of symptoms, if present at the time of testing.
NSCD protocols required for return to campus following a five-day isolation:
- A positive individual may return to campus on Day 6, if they:
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are symptom-free AND have been free of fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea for at least 24 hours without the use of over-the-counter medication.
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Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation.
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Can properly mask at all times around others for 10 days from Day 0.
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This includes outdoors, during recess and during any extracurricular activities (ex. athletics, theater, instrumental ensemble, bus rides).
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Must be a surgical-grade mask or higher (ie. KN95 or KF94), which are currently available on campus.
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Can sit six feet away from others when eating and re-mask when not actively eating or drinking.
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Note:
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Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 should not be tested again for the following 90 days, unless deemed necessary by their healthcare provider due to being symptomatic and/or having a known exposure.
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Positive individuals will be exempt from the on-campus school screenings at NSCD during this time.
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A negative test result is not required in order to return from isolation.
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Contact information and positive test results are reported to the Cook County Department of Public Health. Contact tracers may be in contact with you within a couple of days of your receipt of COVID-19 results.
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Please note that you will probably not recognize their phone number (ex: IL COVID HELP or 312-777-1999) so make sure to pick up phone calls from any unknown numbers for the next few days.
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Should the COVID-19 Response Team be notified of a positive COVID-19 test result (via SHIELD or self report via covid@nscds.org), an initial form, NSCD Isolation Notice and Return to Campus Protocols, will be sent via email and must be completed for the positive individual.
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Once completed by a parent/guardian on behalf of a student, an administrator from the division will follow up with details on how to access remote learning.
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Note: A follow-up form, Return to Campus: Confirmation and Agreement, will be sent on Day 5 to verify if the individual is able to return to campus on Day 6, per NSCD required protocols.
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The follow-up form must be completed if attempting to return before Day 11.
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Should symptoms persist beyond five days, individuals should remain home for up to ten days.
Updated Quarantine Protocols (For exposure to COVID-19)
Who needs to quarantine following an exposure to COVID-19?
Students, teachers and staff who come into close contact with someone with COVID-19 should quarantine for at least five days (day 0 through day 5: quarantine ends on day 6) after their last close contact (day 0) if they are in one of the following groups:
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Anyone age 18 or older who has completed the primary series of recommended vaccines, but has not received a recommended booster shot when eligible.
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Note: Beginning February 22, 2022, any individual age 12 and older who is eligible for a booster shot and has not yet received it will need to quarantine if exposed to COVID-19.
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Anyone who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine (completing the primary series) more than two months ago and has not received a recommended booster shot.
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Anyone who is not vaccinated, has not completed a primary vaccine series or it has been less than two weeks since series completion.
NSCD protocols required for return to campus following a five-day quarantine:
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An exposed individual needing to quarantine may return to campus on Day 6, if they:
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Are symptom-free.
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Can properly mask at all times (including outside and recess) around others for 10 days from Day 0.
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This includes outdoors, during recess and during any extracurricular activities (ex. athletics, theater, instrumental ensemble, bus rides).
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Must be a surgical grade mask or higher (ie. KN95 or KF94), which are currently available on campus.
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Can sit six feet away from others when eating and mask when not actively eating or drinking.
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Provide proof of a negative PCR test result collected no sooner than Day 5.
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Should the PCR result be positive, the individual would then have a minimum five-day isolation to complete (refer to Isolation protocols listed above).
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Here is a list of COVID-19 testing sites providing PCR options, should it be needed.
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Please connect with an administrator from the COVID-19 Response Team (covid@nscds.org) if you want to participate in drive-up PCR testing via SHIELD.
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Note: SHIELD testing is typically done on Wednesdays and results can take 24-36 hours to be finalized.
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Should the COVID-19 Response Team be notified of an individual exposed to COVID-19, a NSCD Quarantine Notice and Return to Campus Protocols will be sent via email and must be completed for the individual in need of quarantine.
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Once completed by a parent/guardian on behalf of a student, an administrator from the division will follow up with details on how to access remote learning.
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Note: A follow-up form, Return to Campus: Confirmation and Agreement, will be sent on Day 5 to verify if the individual is able to return to campus on Day 6, per NSCD required protocols.
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The follow-up form must be completed if attempting to return before Day 11.
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Should symptoms develop at any time after returning to campus, the exposed individual will need to isolate and obtain a subsequent negative PCR test result to remain on campus.
Who does NOT need to quarantine following an exposure to COVID-19?
Students, teachers and staff who came into close contact with someone with COVID-19 and are in one of the following groups do NOT need to quarantine:
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Anyone age 18 and older who has received all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters and additional primary shots for some immunocompromised people (proof required).
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Note: Beginning February 22, 2022, any individual aged 12 and older who is eligible for a booster and has not yet received it will need to quarantine, if exposed to COVID-19.
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Anyone age 5–17 who has completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines at least two weeks before being exposed (proof required).
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Anyone who has had a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the past 90 days (tested positive using a viral test).
Important Reminders for ANYONE exposed to COVID-19:
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While on campus, everyone must properly wear a well-fitting mask around others (including outside, recess and during any extracurricular activities) for 10 days from the date of their last close contact with someone with COVID-19 (the date of last close contact is considered Day 0).
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NSCD household members may not be mask-optional during this time period.
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Even if a quarantine is not required, it is highly recommended that all exposed individuals, especially those with a positive household member, get tested at least five days after their last close contact, unless they had confirmed COVID-19 in the past 90 days and subsequently recovered.
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Should the test result be positive, the exposed individual would then have a minimum five-day isolation to complete (refer to isolation protocols).
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Here is a list of COVID-19 testing sites providing PCR options, should it be needed.
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Please connect with an administrator from the COVID-19 Response Team (covid@nscds.org) if you want to participate in on-campus PCR testing via SHIELD.
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Note: SHIELD testing is typically done on Wednesdays and results can take 24-36 hours to be finalized.
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For 10 days after their last exposure to someone with COVID-19, they should watch for fever (100.4 F or greater), cough, shortness of breath or other COVID-19 symptoms.
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Those who test positive or develop COVID-19 symptoms at any time should isolate themselves from other people and follow requirements for isolation.
Positive Test FAQs
- My child or someone in our household tested positive for COVID-19. Who should I contact at NSCD?
- My child or someone in our household tested positive for COVID-19. When can they return to in-person learning?
- If someone in the school community tests positive for COVID-19 will you tell me which division, grade, and/or cohort had the positive case?
My child or someone in our household tested positive for COVID-19. Who should I contact at NSCD?
If you or your child tests positive for COVID-19, please send an email immediately to covid@nscds.org. This will alert the NSCD COVID-19 Response Team (Head of School Tom Flemma, Assistant Head of School Mary Fielder, School Nurse Jamie Valker and Operations Director Cindy Hooper).
- DO NOT send any unvaccinated member of your family to school.
- DO NOT email any teachers or administrators directly.
My child or someone in our household tested positive for COVID-19. When can they return to in-person learning?
A positive individual may return to campus on Day 6 if they are symptom-free AND have been free of fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea for at least 24 hours without the use of over-the-counter medication. See the full isolation protocol above for more details.
If an individual who is up to date on their vaccinations comes into close contact with someone with COVID-19 they do not need to quarantine, but it is highly recommended they get tested 3-5 days after the date of their exposure. See full quarantine protocol above for more specifics.
If someone in the school community tests positive for COVID-19 will you tell me which division, grade, and/or cohort had the positive case?
NSCD protects the medical and privacy rights of our community and is unable to disclose anything that could possibly identify the infected individual. We will communicate each positive case with the entire school community, but we have been advised by our contact tracer at the Cook County Department of Public Health not to include any specific identifiers in our communications about cases, including division, grade, cohort, or whether it was an adult or a student. When contact tracing has been completed relative to a specific case, it is unnecessary to share any further details since those who were identified as close contacts already know. However, in the future, if contact tracing cannot be done in a timely manner, we will certainly reevaluate our policy regarding identifiers for positive cases. We are committed to maintaining the safety and health of our community and will act accordingly in sharing pertinent and relevant information with the community.
As always, it is vital for our community to avoid uninformed assumptions or discrimination, base our actions on the best information and data available, and support each other. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has provided resources on reducing stigma related to COVID-19.
Close Contact FAQs
- What is the definition of a COVID-19 close contact?
- Who is considered a close contact in a classroom setting?
- How will I know if my student is close contact to a COVID-19-positive individual?
- If my child has been confirmed as a close contact how long will they have to quarantine?
- If my child is currently quarantined because they are a confirmed close contact, can other members of their household (i.e., siblings) still come to campus?
What is the definition of a COVID-19 close contact?
Someone who has been within six feet of an infected person (laboratory-confirmed or a clinically compatible illness) for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (for example, three individual five-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes in one day). An infected person can spread SARS-CoV-2 starting from two days before they have any symptoms (or, for asymptomatic patients, two days before the positive specimen collection date), until they meet criteria for discontinuing home isolation. (CDC.gov)
Who is considered a close contact in a classroom setting?
In the indoor classroom setting, any students who were within three to six feet of an infected student are not considered close contacts and do not require quarantine as long as both the case and the contact were consistently masked. Vaccination status is not a factor for this exception.
If not consistently masked, students who are not up to date on their vaccinations and are within six feet of the infected individual for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period would be defined as close contacts and would need to quarantine.
How will I know if my student is close contact to a COVID-19-positive individual?
Once the school receives a notification of a positive case, internal contact tracing will begin with the partnership of Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH). If you or your student has been identified as a close contact to someone who has tested positive, you will be notified directly via phone by the COVID-19 Response Team. This can take 24-48 hours.
If my child has been confirmed as a close contact how long will they have to quarantine?
If your child is determined to be a close contact and is not up to date on their vaccination (proof required), the CDC recommends a five-day quarantine period from the date of the most recent exposure to the infected individual. See full quarantine protocol above for more details.
If an individual who is up to date on their vaccinations has close contact with someone who has COVID-19, they do not need to quarantine but they should get tested three to five days after their exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms. They should also wear a mask indoors in public for 10 days following exposure or until their negative test result is received.
If my child is currently quarantined because they are a confirmed close contact, can other members of their household (i.e., siblings) still come to campus?
Yes, contacts of a person who is a close contact to a COVID-19 case do not need to self-quarantine unless they develop symptoms or if the person identified as the close contact develops COVID-19. They should, however, monitor themselves closely for symptoms of COVID-19 and if they become symptomatic, self-isolate and seek medical evaluation/testing.
Guiding Principles
Prioritize the health, safety and wellbeing of our students, their families, faculty and staff.
Deliver a powerful, connected learning experience for students with a strong preference for in-person learning.
Shape our policies and practices based on data, research and current guidance from local, state and national agencies, with medical experts.
Provide consistency and predictability for students and their families, faculty and staff.
SHIELD Saliva Testing
Program Basics
- What is the SHIELD Illinois testing program?
- Why is NSCD requiring COVID-19 Saliva Testing?
- Is the screening mandatory? Can my child opt out of the test?
- Does this mean that school will be back to “normal”?
- Will parents and faculty be charged for the COVID-19 screening?
- Do I need to show proof of insurance?
- My child recently had COVID-19. The pediatrician told us that testing could provide false results after their isolation period has been completed. Can this happen with the weekly saliva screening?
What is the SHIELD Illinois testing program?
SHIELD Illinois is a COVID-19 screening and diagnostic testing program that deploys the University of Illinois’ innovative PCR covidSHIELD saliva test. Unlike the Safeguard screening program utilized during the 2020-21 school year and for the first few months of 2021-22, SHIELD results do not require additional PCR confirmation. Since SHIELD is a PCR test, a saliva sample that tests positive through SHIELD is considered an official positive result and a subsequent negative test does not override it.
Why is NSCD requiring COVID-19 Saliva Testing?
The goal of the COVID-19 testing program is to increase the safety of our school community by helping to reduce and prevent the spread of COVID-19. The relative ease of the saliva test, its accuracy, and the rapid return of results supports our current health and safety protocols by identifying asymptomatic individuals with COVID-19 and thereby helping to reduce and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Is the screening mandatory? Can my child opt out of the test?
The screening is mandatory for all students, faculty and staff on campus who have not provided proof of vaccination. There may be other times during the school year—for example, after an extended break or when transmission rates are higher than normal—when the entire school community will be required to test.
If you choose to not have your child participate in the test, they will not be allowed to attend school at NSCD until they provide a negative PCR test result.
Does this mean that school will be back to “normal”?
Will parents and faculty be charged for the COVID-19 screening?
Do I need to show proof of insurance?
My child recently had COVID-19. The pediatrician told us that testing could provide false results after their isolation period has been completed. Can this happen with the weekly saliva screening?
Testing Logistics at NSCD
- How does a student provide a sample? Can they bring it from home?
- What if my student is absent on a saliva collection day?
- What happens after the sample is collected?
How does a student provide a sample? Can they bring it from home?
Saliva collection for SHIELD testing takes place on campus during the school day. You do not have to send anything in with your student. Anyone submitting a saliva sample should not eat, drink or chew gum for at least 30 minutes prior to collection.
At the present time, the SHIELD Illinois test must be completed on campus under observation of the collection staff. SHIELD must maintain chain of custody due to FDA, EUA and CLIA lab regulations.
What if my student is absent on a saliva collection day?
If your student is unable to come to campus to submit a saliva sample on testing day, you must submit a negative PCR test before your student is allowed to return to school. If they are absent, but able to come to campus, students may drive up and submit a saliva sample from their car in the parking lot. Please send an email to covid@nscds.org to arrange for drive-up sample collection.
What happens after the sample is collected?
All samples are delivered to a CLIA-certified lab where they are analyzed.
Test results will usually be shared with the school within 24 hours, but they don't always come back in one batch. Parents will be notified of positive results via email. Be sure to check your email before coming to school the next day and continue to do so throughout the next day as results come in.
Results Notification
- How and when will parents be notified of the results?
- What happens next if the child receives a positive result?
- When can my child return to school?
- Can siblings attend school?
- Will teachers or students in their class be notified?
- Will their class be forced to go remote?
How and when will parents be notified of the results?
Parents will ONLY be contacted if their child receives a positive result. A member of the COVID-19 Response Team will notify the parents via email if the result comes in overnight. Please be sure to check your email before sending your child to school. If we learn of the positive result after the start of the school day, a member of the COVID team or another administrator will call you to alert you of the result and provide instructions on where to pick up your student. Please come ASAP.
What happens next if the child receives a positive result?
When can my child return to school?
Although the CDC recently updated its isolation and quarantine guidance, given the current amount of active cases in the NSCD community, we have decided to continue with our previously applied protocols, per our Medical Advisory Team.
ISOLATION
Students, teachers and staff with a positive COVID-19 test result (antigen or PCR, including SHIELD) are required to isolate for 10 days. Day 0 is your first day of symptoms, if present at time of testing, or the day the test specimen was collected, if asymptomatic at time of testing.
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Isolation can end on day 11, if the positive individual is fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and their other symptoms have improved (Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation).
QUARANTINE
Students, teachers, and staff who came into close contact with someone with COVID-19 should quarantine for at least 10 days (day 0 through day 10: quarantine ends on day 11) after their last close contact if they are in one of the following groups:
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People who are ages 18 and older and completed the primary series of recommended vaccine, but have not received a recommended booster shot when eligible.
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People who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine (completing the primary series) over 2 months ago and have not received a recommended booster shot.
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People who are not vaccinated, have not completed a primary vaccine series or it has been less than 2 weeks since completion of the series.
People who are fully vaccinated and not overdue for a booster (if eligible), do not need to quarantine.
Should the school adjust its protocols, we will communicate accordingly.
Can siblings attend school?
That depends on their COVID vaccination status.
QUARANTINE
Students, teachers, and staff who came into close contact with someone with COVID-19 should quarantine for at least 10 days (day 0 through day 10: quarantine ends on day 11) after their last close contact if they are in one of the following groups:
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People who are ages 18 and older and completed the primary series of recommended vaccine, but have not received a recommended booster shot when eligible.
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People who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine (completing the primary series) over 2 months ago and have not received a recommended booster shot.
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People who are not vaccinated, have not completed a primary vaccine series or it has been less than 2 weeks since completion of the series.
People who are fully vaccinated and not overdue for a booster (if eligible), do not need to quarantine and may come to school.
Should the school adjust its protocols, we will communicate accordingly.
Will teachers or students in their class be notified?
Will their class be forced to go remote?
About the Test
- What kind of test is this? Can I trust the results?
- Why is saliva collection better than a nasal swab?
- Where can I learn more about the SHIELD program?
What kind of test is this? Can I trust the results?
SHIELD is a saliva-based RT-PCR test used to help screen and identify pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19. All of SHIELD Illinois’ tests are processed in CLIA labs located throughout the state.
SHIELD is a molecular test, not the less sensitive antigen tests often used at rapid testing facilities. This chart from the CDC explains the different types of COVID-19 tests:
Why is saliva collection better than a nasal swab?
For a nasal swab, proper sample collection technique is needed to collect a small amount of mucosal material from a specific nasal region, making it error prone. In addition, the process is invasive, and many patients find the process either difficult or uncomfortable.
By comparison, no skill is needed for saliva collection. The patient simply drools saliva into a tube; the sample collection process is neither invasive nor uncomfortable. Because the sample collection is not from a specific region and the sample size is larger than collected by nasal swab chances of human error are minimal.
Where can I learn more about the SHIELD program?
For a full list of frequently asked questions, visit: https://shieldillinois.com/faq/
Confidentiality
Travel Guidance
US/Domestic Travel Guidance
School-aged children (along with faculty and staff) do NOT have to quarantine after returning from domestic travel. They should continue to attend school in-person.
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Anyone traveling to an orange state should get a PCR test three to five days after returning from their trip, regardless of vaccination status.
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Your return from travel day is considered "Day Zero".
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If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected. Please send a copy of any positive test results to covid@nscds.org.
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If traveling to a yellow state, no testing is required.
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You do not need to provide documentation of a negative PCR test result to NSCD, but please keep those results available in case they are requested.
ALL travelers are advised to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms after travel, and isolate and get tested if they begin to feel ill.
Note: If you have documentation of a positive case of COVID-19 within the past 90 days, you are exempt from the testing portion of the requirement.
The following is embedded from the City of Chicago's Emergency Travel Order site. The site is updated each week. Please monitor it closely.
International Travel Guidance
International Travel Guidance
As of January 2022, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring all air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, to show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before travel to the United States or provide proof of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days.
Airlines must confirm the negative test result or proof of recovery for all passengers 2 years of age and older prior to boarding. Airlines must deny boarding of passengers who do not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery.
Please see CDC’s FAQ for answers to questions about the new requirement for proof of negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving in the United States.
NSCD International Travel Policies for Returning to Campus
For those who are NOT up to date on their vaccines:
Option A
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Get tested (PCR ONLY) three to five days after international travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for a full five days after travel.
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Your return from travel day is considered "Day Zero".
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Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full five days; you can leave your house after five days and should continue to wear a mask around others for five additional days.
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If your test result is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected. Please send a copy of any positive test results to covid@nscds.org.
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You do not need to provide documentation of a negative PCR test result to NSCD, but please keep those results available in case they are requested.
Option B
- Quarantine for a 10-day period once you return to Cook County. Your return day is considered "Day Zero."
For those who are up to date on their vaccines:
- Get tested (PCR ONLY) three to five days after international travel. You do not need to self-quarantine as long as you are without symptoms.
- Your return from travel day is considered "Day Zero".
- If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected. Please send a copy of any positive test results to covid@nscds.org.
- You do not need to provide documentation of a negative PCR test result to NSCD, but please keep those results available in case they are requested.
All travelers are advised to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms after travel, and isolate and get tested if they begin to feel ill.
The following is embedded from the CDC Travel Health Notices site. The site is updated each week. Please monitor it closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are unvaccinated children exempt from the travel protocol if they are traveling with others who are fully vaccinated?
- What if I had a positive COVID-19 test within 90 days?
- Family/friends are traveling to visit and are staying with us. Does the protocol need to be followed?
- What if I traveled to a state but was there for less than 24 hours?
- What if I have to travel for work purposes? Does that affect whether my children can come to school?
Are unvaccinated children exempt from the travel protocol if they are traveling with others who are fully vaccinated?
What if I had a positive COVID-19 test within 90 days?
Family/friends are traveling to visit and are staying with us. Does the protocol need to be followed?
What if I traveled to a state but was there for less than 24 hours?
What if I have to travel for work purposes? Does that affect whether my children can come to school?
Students do not need to quarantine due to a household member traveling. However, if you have traveled and must quarantine at home, it is important to maintain distance from other household members during that period, as you may have been exposed to COVID-19 and could be contagious, even if you are not experiencing symptoms.
Regardless of where you traveled or what you did during your trip, take these actions to protect others from getting sick after you return:
- When around others, stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people who are not from your household. It is important to do this everywhere, both indoors and outdoors.
- Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when you are outside of your home.
- Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
- Watch your health and look for symptoms of COVID-19. Take your temperature if you feel sick.
NSCD Illness Protocol
2021-2022 NSCD ILLNESS PROTOCOL
Any student or employee who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms must stay home and be medically cleared before returning to campus, even if fully vaccinated.
- Only the individual with COVID-19 symptoms needs to be medically evaluated, however, all unvaccinated NSCD household members must remain off campus until medical clearance is received by the school nurse. Medical evaluation and testing are strongly recommended for all persons with COVID-like symptoms, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Any time your student(s) will be absent from campus for any reason, please make sure to submit a Student Attendance Notification Form for your student(s).
If your child is sent home for one or more of the following COVID-like symptoms:
- Fever (temperature of 100.4F or higher)
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- Vomiting/diarrhea
- Fatigue, muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Cough
In accordance with current IDPH & CCDPH guidance for schools, your child cannot return to campus until:
- A negative PCR COVID test result is received by the school nurse.* Proof can be a copy of the official lab result OR a note from a healthcare provider stating that your child "tested negative for COVID by PCR testing”. Your child will also need to be fever free for 24 hours, free of vomiting/diarrhea for 24 hours and have improvement of other symptoms that may be present.
OR
- Your child has been out of school for a minimum of five calendar days and has been free of fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea for at least 24 hours without the use of over-the-counter medication; if no testing was completed.
* Documentation must be faxed (847.881.8516) or emailed to the school nurse prior to return to campus. Parent/Guardian must reach out to the school nurse with updated information from the healthcare provider, as necessary.
For questions, please contact the school nurse, Jamie Valker by phone at 847.441.3333 or by email at jvalker@nscds.org
PCR Testing Locations
In accordance with current IDPH and CCDPH guidance for schools, NSCD can only accept a negative PCR test result as clearance to return to school when exclusionary symptoms are present. Please keep in mind, if testing is being done due to an exposure to an individual positive for COVID, a negative test result will not shorten the quarantine period. While awaiting PCR test results for a symptomatic individual, all unvaccinated NSCD household members must remain off campus.
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Drive-up testing available in Lincoln Park; in-office testing available in at the main hospital in downtown Chicago
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Appointment required.
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Make an appointment online or by phone at 312.227.5300
NorthShore University HealthSystem
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In-office testing available at all Immediate Care locations, including Evanston, Niles, Skokie, Lincolnshire and Gurnee.
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Walk-up testing, no appointment required.
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NorthShore Immediate Care Centers are providing RT-PCR COVID tests, delivering same-day results, for all patients, with or without symptoms.
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Testing by appointment only at multiple locations, including Park Ridge, Edgewater and Lincoln Park.
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PCR rapid testing for asymptomatic patients only; symptomatic patients will receive a rapid antigen test and send-out PCR test if necessary
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Schedule an appointment online.
Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care
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Drive-up testing available in Glenview, Lake Forest Hospital and at the main hospital in downtown Chicago. In-office testing available in Evanston.
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Appointment/online pre-registration strongly encouraged. Must be evaluated by a Northwestern Medicine physician to qualify for testing.
Illinois Department of Public Health
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Drive-up or walk-up testing available.
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Anyone can be tested for COVID-19, with or without symptoms. No appointment, doctor referral or insurance is needed, and testing is available at no cost to the individual.
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Open Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays. Results can take 3-7 days.
SHIELD Illinois Community Testing Sites
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Free saliva PCR testing at the Glenbrook High School District Office, Northeastern Illinois University, the College of Lake County and the DePaul University Loop Campus.
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Anyone can be tested for COVID-19, with or without symptoms. No doctor referral or insurance is needed, and testing is available at no cost to the individual.
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Walk in or by appointment
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Results in about 24 hours
Lake County Health Department – Community-Based Testing Sites
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Drive-up or walk-up testing available.
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Anyone can be tested for COVID-19, with or without symptoms. No appointment, doctor referral or insurance is needed, and testing is available at no cost to the individual.
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Open Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays. Results can take 3-7 days.
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Drive-up testing available in Skokie, Chicago and Melrose Park; walk-in testing available in Oak Lawn
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No referral is necessary
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24-48 hour turnaround time
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1400 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines, IL
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M-F 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sa. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Su. Closed. (Call 847-296-1400 to confirm hours)
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Offers standard PCR (free, results in 2-4 days) or rapid PCR testing ($125, results in 15 minutes)
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Book an appointment online at: freecovidcare.com. Even if you book an appointment for tomorrow or a week from now, you can walk-in and get tested as soon as you want. They just want the appointment to be booked.
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Walk-in testing at 912 E. NW Highway, Palatine, IL. No appointments.
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M-F 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sa. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Su. Closed. (Call 847-496-5559 to confirm hours)
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Standard PCR (results in 48 hours) or rapid antigen testing available.
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In-office testing.
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Appointment required. Testing available to anyone with symptoms, as well as asymptomatic patients who meet screening requirements.
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Call to make an appointment: 847.234.7950
COVID Diagnostics (Northbrook)
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Drive-up testing in the parking lot of Northbrook Court mall, between the AMC theater and Neiman Marcus.
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Testing by appointment only, seven days a week from 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
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Choose from saliva PCR test (24-48 hour turnaround), rapid nasal PCR test (1-2 hour turnaround) or rapid antigen test (15 minutes while you wait).
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Saliva tests cost $59 with insurance or $125 without; rapid antigen is $99 and rapid PCR is $225. They will provide a detailed receipt upon request to submit to insurance.
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In-office testing.
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Appointment required. Anyone can be tested, regardless of symptoms.
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Call to make an appointment: 847.485.0808.
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This facility does not accept insurance.
Flick Park Field House (Glenview)
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In-office testing.
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Appointment required. Site is free, open to all.
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Schedule an appointment online.
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Must be three (3) years or older.
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Appointment required.
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Must be three (3) years or older.
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Appointment required.
Latest Communication
Trusted Resources
- Child Mind Institute: Teenagers and Reopening
- CDC: COVID-19 Portal
- CDC: COVID-19 Situation Summary
- Illinois Department of Public Health
- Cook County Public Health
- CDC: Handwashing: Keeping Your Family Healthy
- CDC: Stop the Spread of Germs
- CDC: Key Terms & Definitions
- HealthyChildren.org COVID-19 Information
- Video: World Health Organization: Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
- VIDEO: CDC: What You Need To Know About Handwashing
- VIDEO: World Health Organization: How to protect yourself against COVID-19
Child Mind Institute: Teenagers and Reopening
Tips for helping kids stay safe during a confusing time.
CDC: COVID-19 Portal
CDC: COVID-19 Situation Summary
Illinois Department of Public Health
This link will take you to the Illinois Department of Public Health's main website.
Cook County Public Health
This link will take you to the Cook County Public Health website.
CDC: Handwashing: Keeping Your Family Healthy
A handwashing guide provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – PDF
CDC: Stop the Spread of Germs
A guide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) detailing how you can help prevent the spead of germs – PDF
CDC: Key Terms & Definitions
HealthyChildren.org COVID-19 Information
This link will take you to the COVID-19 information page maintained by healthychildren.org.
Video: World Health Organization: Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
VIDEO: CDC: What You Need To Know About Handwashing
VIDEO: World Health Organization: How to protect yourself against COVID-19
Reopening Webinar
Report An Absence
What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19
The health, safety and wellbeing of the NSCD community is our top priority.
We are constantly monitoring information from the the Centers for Disease Control, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Cook County Department of Public Health. We will continue to communicate updates to the NSCD community via email. This is a challenging time; please protect yourself and your family by following these guidelines:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
- Cover a cough or sneeze with your sleeve, or using a disposable tissue and then wash your hands afterward
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay away from work, school or other people if you become sick
- Practice social distancing
- Following guidance from public health officials
- If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, call your healthcare provider
If you have any questions about COVID-19 policies and protocols, please send an email to the NSCD COVID-19 Response team at covid@nscds.org.
2021 Return-to-School Plan
Medical Advisory Team
Seamus Collins, MPH P ’31 ’34
Vice-President of Operations, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital
Jeff Foreman, MD ’80
Chair of the Board of Trustees, NSCD
Internal Medicine Specialist
Mark Haupt, MD P ’28, ’30
Pediatric Pulmonologist
Chief Medical Officer, Ariel Precision Medicine
Melissa Howard, JD P ’27 ’30
Civil Rights Attorney, U.S. Department of Education
Mike Howard, MD P ’27 ’30
Plastic Surgeon
Chethra Muthiah, MD P ’29, ’32
Infectious Disease Specialist
Judith Nerad, MD P ’19, ’22
Infectious Disease Specialist
Hospice and Palliative Care Physician
Richard Phillips, MD, MBA P ’25, ’28, ’32
Emergency Medicine Specialist
Medical Director, AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center Glen Oaks
Jessica Rappaport, MD P '26, '28
Concierge Pediatrician
Rappaport Pediatrics, S.C. Winnetka