• According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and recommended for all eligible individuals.
• COVID-19 vaccines are not required for students or employees.

• The CDC recommends unvaccinated individuals wear a mask in public settings, at events and gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people.
• No employee, student, or visitor is required to wear a mask or face covering but are allowed to do so if they choose.

In accordance with the Texas Education Agency School Health Operations effective September 2nd, 2021, Tatum ISD has updated the COVID-19 mitigation protocols for employees and students. Prevention of disease transmission in our schools will continue to take all of us working together. The best way to prevent the spread of illness in our schools is to stay home when ill. Parents are asked to not send students to school if they have a fever of 100.0 F or higher or new onset symptoms of illness. Washing/sanitizing hands often, especially before eating, after using the restroom, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and after coming in contact with highly touched objects such as doorknobs, handrails, etc. can help reduce the spread of illness.

Students, staff, or visitors may not enter a District facility if any of the following apply:

Major symptoms of COVID-19 (one symptom)

Fever (100.0 or greater) and/or chills; Persistent cough; Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; New loss of taste or smell. 

Minor symptoms of COVID-19 (two or more symptoms) 

Sore throat;  New or unexplained congestion or runny nose; Diarrhea/nausea/vomiting;  Sudden onset of persistent headache.  Waiting for results from a COVID-19 test   

• Staff should complete a self-screening process prior to entering a Tatum ISD building, and the district may require further screening of students and staff at any time based on current state and federal guidelines and local conditions;
• Per TEA guidelines, a parent or guardian should screen their children for infectious illness each day prior to sending them to school;
• Teachers will monitor students and refer them to the nurse if symptoms are present;
• Campus staff are trained appropriately and use a standardized screening tool for all campus visitor;.

Individuals who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should:

• Consider isolating to prevent the unintended transmission of the virus to others as recommended by the CDC.
• Consider seeking medical guidance from your health care provider.
• Consider testing as recommended by the CDC.
• Consider wearing a mask/face covering if respiratory symptoms are present and you choose not to test for COVID-19 to prevent the unintended transmission of the virus to others.