• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID -19)

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by COVID – 19. This disease was first detected in Wuhan City in China. CDC is following this rapidly evolving heath situation. On January 31, 2020, the United States declared a public health emergency to help the healthcare community respond to COVID-19. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared this a global pandemic.  Everyone can do their part to respond to this emerging public health threat.

    CDC recommendations are below.

    • It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.
    • Call your healthcare provider if  fever and respiratory symptoms are present.
    • If you are caring for a COVID-19 patient or are a public health responder, please take care of yourself and follow recommended infection control procedures. If you have recently traveled or have been exposed to someone sick with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, you may face some limitations on your movement and activity. Please follow instructions during this time. Your cooperation is integral to the ongoing public health response to try to slow spread of this virus. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, contact your healthcare provider, and tell them about your symptoms and your travel or exposure to a COVID-19 patient.
    • For people who are ill with COVID-19, please follow CDC guidance on how to reduce the risk of spreading your illness to others.

    Your School nurses continue to be proactive by advising students, families, and staff to:

    • Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
    • Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes, then dispose of the tissue. When a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
    • Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. 
    • Wash hands for 20 seconds. Washing hands often under clean, running water can help prevent the spread of germs. For more guidance see the CDC: When and How to Wash Your Hands. If you cannot wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60-95% alcohol.
    • Social distancing is imperative.  Minimize close contact and contact with groups of people. Six feet is considered close contact.
    • Avoid unnecessary travel.
    • For more information about keeping your family safe, refer to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/get-your-household-ready-for-COVID-19.html

     

    Resources:

    CDC.gov

    StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit (K-12)
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    StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit (K-12) FAQ
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    National Association of School Nurses
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