If a camper has a fever of 101.2, what is required before they may return to camp?

• A. Fever resolves within 24 hours.
• B. They must be fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medications and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
• C. Return with parental note.
• D. They can return after the fever breaks.

Answer: (B)

This question tests the return-to-camp criteria after a fever and the combo of symptom resolution with a test to rule out contagious illness. The best answer requires both parts: the fever must be gone and the child must be fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications, and there must be proof of a negative COVID-19 test. The first part—being fever-free for a full day without meds—ensures the fever has truly resolved and that symptoms aren’t being masked by medicine, which could hide ongoing illness. The second part—a negative COVID-19 test—adds an objective check that the camper isn’t carrying a highly contagious infection that could spread to others.

If the policy only asked that the fever resolve, that wouldn’t guarantee they’re no longer contagious, especially if fever reducers were used or if another illness is present. A parental note doesn’t provide medical clearance or verify contagious status. Waiting until the fever “breaks” without any testing could still allow an infectious condition to be present. Requiring both the 24-hour fever-free period and a negative COVID-19 test offers a safer, verifiable standard for returning to camp.