A Message From CCT Nurses' Office
March 20, 2020
During these uncertain times, I am writing on behalf of our Cape Cod Reginal Technical High School Health Office. We are here to assist you with your healthcare needs. While we have this time for social distancing, know that we are here for you. This communication is to help guide you during this unsettling time. Below are links to the appropriate websites to find answers to some of your questions. If you are still unsure or would like further guidance the health office is here to help. If you have questions or concerns and what to speak with someone medical, please reach out I am available. gwahtola@capetech.us
Please reach out to the school nurse by email or phone with your confidential health related concern or question. We would also appreciate information regarding a diagnosed positive COVID-19 case, which could impact our Cape Tech Community. I am working with local Boards of Health who will be doing monitoring, advising, and following up with people on self-isolation or positive cases. The situation is changing daily and public officials will need our assistance when possible in surveillance and tracking or case management.
Students will benefit from maintaining routines at home. Consider treating your days as a scheduled school day. Plan around meals as well as scheduled times for online schoolwork. Also consider time allotted for social media and connecting with friends via social media. Allowing these times for students during scheduled times will help them manage their schoolwork and feel connected to their friends still.
Practice Social Distancing and other measures during COVID-19 pandemic
Everyone is urged to maintain a social distance (approximately six feet away from other people) whenever possible. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands, or utilize hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
We are a society that routinely shakes hands. However, please do not shake hands you can use other methods of greeting others such as making eye contact and waving or nodding your head.
If you feel sick stay home or if you have a sick family member in your home.
Avoid crowded spaces such as restaurants movie theaters playgrounds bowling alley, etc. Take this time to connect with your family break out a deck of cards, arts and crafts or a board game like monopoly or trivial pursuit. If it is nice out get some fresh air and go for a bike ride or play catch in the yard.
Consider rescheduling large family gatherings that bring a large population together in a confined space.
If necessary, utilize telemedicine when possible: Governor Baker has authorized insurance companies to reimburse providers at the same rate as office visits for telemedicine.
The Massachusetts 211 line can help connect staff and families to services and resources who are in need of financial or other support. This line can also be used to get additional information of the general public about the virus and outbreak. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 911.
Interpreter services are also available through the Massachusetts 211 line.
Fees for COVID-19 testing for those without insurance will be waived.
Keeping the home safe:
ALL HOUSEHOLDS
- Clean hands upon entering the home and at regular intervals.
- Create habits and reminders to avoid touching their face and cover coughs and sneezes Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, tables and handrails regularly
- When feasible, increase ventilation by opening windows
- Plan to have an adequate supply of daily medications at hand
- Limit food sharing
- Avoid sharing personal household items. You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home.
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Link for products that can be used to kill the virus Coronavirus Cleaning products supply list .
A solution of bleach and water is also effective. Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
● Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places
● Hoarding of essential supplies such as toilet paper, will mean that your neighbor will have to go without. Plan for a two-week supply of essential supplies
Households with vulnerable seniors or those with significant underlying conditions (heart, lung, kidney disease; diabetes; and conditions that suppress the immune system):
- Have the healthy people in the household conduct themselves as if they were a significant risk to the person with underlying conditions. For example, wash hands frequently before interacting with the person, such as by feeding or caring for the person.
- If possible, provide a protected space for vulnerable household members.
- Ensure all utensils and surfaces are cleaned regularly.
- Limit visitors and contacts to household members.
Households with sick family members:
- The infected person should be isolated in a specific room, keeping the door closed, and avoiding interaction with other members of the household. If possible, use a separate bathroom. If the bathroom is shared, disinfect surfaces after use.
- Delegate one family member to provide care.
- Stay home unless you are seeking medical care.
- Monitor symptoms and seek prompt medical attention if the illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing).
- Call ahead: If you have a medical appointment, contact your healthcare provider to advise that you have, or suspect COVID-19. This will allow healthcare providers to take steps to protect others from exposure. If severe symptoms or respiratory distress, call EMS, as they have a protocol and protective equipment, to transport patients safely to the hospital for testing and treatment.
- Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring, or facilitated self-monitoring, should follow instructions provided by their local health department.
- Your provider, in conjunction with the local health department, will make the decisions regarding the duration of isolation precautions and when they may be discontinued.
- Consider providing additional protections or more intensive care for household members over 65 year old or with underlying conditions. By doing the following:
- Plan for an alternate caregiver if the current care provider becomes sick.
- Understand and follow the sick individual’s healthcare provider’s instructions for medication(s) and care. Assist the patient with basic needs in the home and provide support for getting groceries, prescriptions, and other essential needs.
- Be prepared to provide information to health care providers or EMS about medications being taken and any underlying health conditions.
- Prohibit visitors who do not have an essential need to be in the home. ○ Household members should care for any pets in the home. Do not handle pets or other animals while sick.
- If you are sick: Wear a facemask (if available) when around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
- Those who are caring for a sick person should wear a facemask (if available) when providing care.
We hope that you take good care of yourself and your family, and that you stay safe and healthy. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
We are here for you our Cape Tech Family.