Exclusion Guidance

Send home or deny entry to children, care providers, or staff with symptoms of illness. For symptoms consistent with COVID-19, reference exclusion criteria below to determine when individuals may return.  

Symptoms consistent with COVID-19 include: new onset or worsening cough OR shortness of breath OR at least two of the following symptoms: fever (100.4oF or higher); chills; muscle pain; headache; sore throat; new loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.  

Has the person been clinically evaluated?

Received laboratory test for COVID-19

(Household members should isolate at home while awaiting labratory test results)

• If POSITIVE: DOH will provide instructions to the person and household contacts about when it is safe to return to work/school.
• If NEGATIVE: Stay home until fever has resolved, other symptoms have improved, AND one negative test is received.

COVID-19 diagnosis without lab test

• Stay home at least 10 days from symptom onset or for 3 days with no fever & improvement of other symptoms – whichever is longer.
• Siblings and household members also stay home for 14 days.

Alternate diagnosis or laboratory confirmed condition (e.g., norovirus, hand/foot/mouth)

• Follow provider directions, treatment,  and return guidance.
• Follow the Missouri Control of Communicable Diseases Guide

For a person not clinically evaluated who is monitoring symptoms at home

If experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (see list above) 

• Stay home at least 10 days from symptom onset or for 3 days with no fever & improvement of other symptoms – whichever is longer.
• Siblings and household members also stay home for 14 days.

 Other symptoms not consistent with COVID-19

• Follow the Missouri Control of Communicable Diseases Guide