What is the Coronavirus?
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is one of a family of viruses that can cause symptoms like the common cold and/or flu virus. Although the immediate health risk is low according to the Centers for Disease control (CDC), we are taking precautions.
What do symptoms of Coronavirus look like?
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, shortness of breath and fever.
What can Parents do to protect their Family?
Parents should take the same precautions they would for any common cold or flu.
- Family members need to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. (Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 70% alcohol content can work in a pinch, but they’re generally not as effective as soap and water). Hands should be washed before eating, after using the bathroom, and when you come inside from outdoor activities that caused hands to get dirty.
- Teach children not to touch their mouth, eyes or noses unless they just washed their hands.
- Cough and/or sneeze into your elbows and not your hands.
- Distance yourself from anyone coughing or sneezing.
- Encourage Healthy Habits, like eating a healthy diet, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
- Get the Flu vaccine to help prevent the flu, which is more common and can be dangerous.
- Do not send students to school when they are sick.
What are schools doing to protect Students and Staff?
- Daily monitoring of clinic visits and absentee rates
- Teaching students to frequently wash hands and cover their mouth when coughing / sneezing
- Assessing any students that come to the clinic with cold/flu symptoms
- Calling parents when students exhibit signs and symptoms of a virus
- Cleaning of buildings daily and deep cleaning when necessary
- Advising anyone that is sick to stay home, seek medical treatment, and return once symptoms are cleared
- Staying in close communication with the local and state health department as well as receiving guidance and direction from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
If you have any symptoms of the virus, please seek medical attention immediately and follow the advice of your medical professional.