Children’s Hospital Los Angeles announced Tuesday it is partnering with schools across Los Angeles County to provide access to a digital COVID-19 symptom assessment tool, which will furnish important information as schools prepare to re-open their doors for in-person instruction.
The web-based tool is available in five languages and prompts individuals to answer questions about any symptoms they may be experiencing that are consistent with the coronavirus, including cough, shortness of breath or fever, and whether they’ve had close contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Per reopening protocols for K-12 schools in LA County, schools are required to present proof of ability to screen students, staff and visitors prior to campus entry.
CHLA is already working with several schools, school districts and health agencies in LA County to implement the screening assessment tool for teachers and team members who are coming on campus for administrative duties and teacher in-service sessions. Those using the tool include:
— Beach Cities Health District;
— Hawthorne School District;
— Hermosa Beach City School District;
— Manhattan Beach Unified School District;
— Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District;
— Redondo Beach Unified School District; and
— Torrance Unified School District.
“The utilization of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’ symptom assessment tool has been a key part in Redondo Beach Unified School District’s successful phased reopening,” said Steven Keller, the district’s superintendent of schools. “Our staff has found it easy to use, and, more importantly, it is efficient. We have been able to screen hundreds of individuals daily with ease, prior to the start of our school day.”
The core functionality of the symptom assessment tool was developed by the Enterprise Applications team at CHLA and is being used on a daily basis by team and faculty members entering any of the organization’s dozen locations, streamlining the screening process.
Upon completion of the assessment, the tool displays a time-stamped green or red screen. Individuals with green screens gain access to campus, while individuals with red screens are flagged for further evaluation. CHLA has committed to making the tool available to all schools who wish to use it without charge from the hospital, only asking schools to cover the hosting fees.
“As part of a robust suite of protocols to keep students safe, CHLA’s symptom assessment tool can serve as a first step for families to start their day together with a health check-in to understand their symptoms and affirm their health,” said Omkar Kulkarni, CHLA’s chief innovation officer. “The Innovation Studio at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is committed to supporting the unique implementation needs of every school and guiding school administrators through the roll-out process.”