Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fact Sheet
*All information and wording provided here regarding definition of the virus, symptoms and risks are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov.
What is a Novel Coronavirus?
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
What are the Symptoms of COVID-19?
People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms – from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. If you have fever, cough, or other symptoms, you might have COVID-19.
What are the Risks to Children?
Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date. However, a few children have developed multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). Currently, information about this syndrome is limited. CDC is working with state and local health departments to learn more about MIS-C. Person-to-person spread from or to children, as among adults, is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in many affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Despite best efforts to prevent the spread of the virus, there can be no guarantee that the student will not be exposed or contract the virus. However, the school will do it’s best to limit the possible spread of the virus via the following protocols.
What Will the School Do to Minimize Risk of Spreading the Virus?
- Designate a safety officer to monitor implementation of health & safety protocols.
- Screen students and staff upon arrival each day for symptoms and send individuals who are ill home.
- Formulate a written cleaning procedure according to CDC guidance, implement it and establish routines for effective sanitation of all high-touch surfaces.
- Require face coverings or face shields for all staff and students in grades Kindergarten and up.
- Place hand sanitizer at each entry point and ensure a ready supply of face coverings, gloves, tissues, soap and trash cans.
- Instruct staff and students in best practices to limit the spread of COVID-19, including physical distancing, hand washing, covering coughs/sneezes, etc.
Request to see the School Communicable Disease Management Plan & Operational Blueprint for further elaboration of steps taken by the school to prevent a virus outbreak.