Coronavirus Update
Doing our best to be prepared and keep you updated.
Preparing for the Coronavirus
SDCCS is working with other schools and the local health departments, we have an important role in slowing the spread of diseases to help ensure students have safe and healthy learning environments. Schools serve students, staff, and visitors from throughout the community. All of these people may have close contact in the school setting, often sharing spaces, equipment, and supplies.
We have spent the weekend preparing a Pandemic Plan for the Coronavirus. We will be the outward facing plan on the website once we are finished receiving input from teachers, parents and staff in our community. As a school the most important thing is for us to be prepared. We have seen from other countries that the Coronavirus spreads quickly and that education programs can be greatly affected.
Information on Coronavirus
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause symptoms of colds. However, this is a “novel” virus, originating in China in late 2019 (hence the original name, 2019 Novel Coronavirus). Until recently, this particular strain of coronavirus circulated among animals only. Now it appears to have spread to humans, and can be spread between humans. The abbreviated term for this virus is: COVID-19.
Current Understanding of Virus
- Symptoms most commonly include: fever with cough or shortness of breath; some people have fewer or no symptoms at all. Headache, sore throat, and runny nose also occur with this virus.
- Spread is most likely from droplets (cough and sneezing)
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers this a serious public health threat, but with health risk from this virus to be low at this time.
- Symptoms of 2019-nCoV may appear in as few as 2 days, or as long as 14 days, after exposure.
- Most people with this infection will recover on their own. There is no specific treatment for novel coronavirus infection yet.
- For patients who are more severely ill, hospitals can provide supportive care.
General Guidelines for Schools
- All children and staff members with fever (>100.4 F / >38C) should remain home (from school and other activities) until they had no fever for 24 hours, without fever medication.
- Students should not be excluded from school or any school activities based on race, country of origin, or recent travel.
- Any student or staff member that presents at school with fever and symptoms of either cough or shortness of breath, then a site nurse or health technician (or designee) will:
- Until the person leaves school, place a surgical mask on that student or staff member if it is tolerated. If possible, keep that person isolated (students must still be visible and supervised by a staff member); otherwise try to keep a 3 foot or more distance between student and others.
- Contact student’s parent/guardian and advise them to follow up with their doctor.
Preventing Illness
To help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including the coronavirus and flu, follow these important tips:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Individuals with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
- Get vaccinated every year
These three media articles can assist in understanding the threat in perspective to the flu as well as a great resource for children:
• https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2020-03-01/coronavirus-when-to-visit-the-doctor - Los Angeles Times
• https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/29/health/coronavirus-flu.html- The New York Times
• https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus - National Public Radio