February Vacation COVID-19 Testing Information 2/10/21

As we approach the school vacation week, we would like to remind all Hanover Public Schools families of the guidance around traveling and testing over the break. Please note the following information:

• Please inform you school nurse if you plan to travel outside of Massachusetts.
• Follow the usual health and safety precautions while you are away: avoid large groups, wear a mask in public, and wash your hands often.
• Required Testing:
  • PCR COVID-19 test is required after returning to Massachusetts (must be a FDA-approved PCR test).
  • All adults and children 11 and over must have a test.
  • Children 10 and under are not required to test if all other travelers in the household test negative.
  • Please visit the Town of Hanover COVID-19 PCR testing website to schedule your free test. If you are not able to find a test on the town website, please contact your school nurse and we will help you find one.
  • If you would like to have a COVID-19 test because you have symptoms or if you think you were exposed, please call your school nurse so we can advise you on next steps.
  • Send your test results to your school nurse before returning to school.
• If you feel that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, have attended a high-risk activity or if you are having symptoms of COVID-19, even if mild, please do not return to school; call your school nurse for testing and additional guidance.
• Two nurses (Joelle Casey and Tricia Smith) will be available over the break to answer your emails and phone calls. Calls will be forwarded from your school nurse’s voice mail to the covering nurses for follow-up. Please leave a voice message or email if we can help you navigate any health, COVID-19 and testing concerns.
• The past year has been challenging for all of us. Hanover has committed a great deal of resources to provide free (and easy to access) testing that is helping to keep our community safe and our schools open. Please understand that these requirements are important, and we need your cooperation to ensure that we can continue to move forward.  

Best wishes to all of our families for a safe, healthy and happy February vacation.

Sincerely,

Patricia Smith, BSN RN NCSN
Director of Health Services
psmith@hanoverschools.org
781-878-5450 ext. 7405