General Health Practices, Guidance, and Resources 

As students and staff return to school virtually and in-person, it’s important that everyone stay vigilant when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19. To ensure that everyone in our school communities stay healthy, please follow the guidelines set forth by your school and by county public health. Stay home when you’re sick; wear a face covering; physically distance yourself from others, when feasible; and thoroughly wash your hands. If each of us makes an effort, we can help prevent the spread of this virus. 

Basic Prevention of Virus Spread

  1. Make sure all family members are up-to-date with their flu shots.
  2. Promote basic hygiene:
    • Any coughing or sneezing should be directed into ones sleeve (inside elbow), rather than into hands or the air. 
    • Wash hands after using and handling used tissues, after blowing nose, before/after eating, and after toilet use.
    • Wash for 20 seconds with soap, rub between fingers and under nails; and then rinse and dry. (May use alcohol (60%+) hand gel if sinks are not readily available.)
    • Avoid rubbing your own eyes, nose and mouth.
    • Do not share utensils, cups etc.
    • Stay home when sick.
    • Avoid contact with those who are sick.
  3. Face Coverings: As of June 18, both county and state public health officials are requiring that all individuals two years of age and older wear face coverings when they are in high-risk situations specifically noted in the CDPH guidance. CDPH guidance updated Aug. 3 requires that all children attending school in grades 3-12 wear face coverings (unless exempt) while it's strongly recommend for students age two through second grade. Those younger than two do not need to wear a face covering. Under state guidelines, students could be sent home for refusing to wear a face covering, but every attempt will be made to work with the student before they are sent home. Cloth facial coverings don’t have to be medical grade but should cover your nose and mouth. Homemade masks, bandanas, and scarves are acceptable since you can wash and reuse them. 

We recommend districts comply with the order that everyone wear a face covering when they have business outside their homes, we also recommend that districts require all employees to wear face coverings when working anywhere other than in their homes. 

Symptoms to Watch For

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19. This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.

 

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

COVID-19 Public Health Guidance and Resources

Public Health Guidance
 
Guidance Documents for Schools
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