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. Flu shot: Make sure all family members are up-to-date with their flu shots.
  2. Physical distancing: Stay 6 feet away from others
  3. Avoid crowds
  4. 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.
  5. Wear a mask/face covering: As of Nov. 16, both county and state public health officials are requiring that all individuals two years of age and older wear face coverings at all times when outside the home, with some exceptions. Face coverings must be used in accordance with CDPH guidelines unless a person is exempt as explained in the guidelines.

    Students in all grade levels K-12 are required to wear face coverings at all times, while at school, unless exempted. A cloth face covering or face shield should be removed for meals, snacks, naptime, or when it needs to be replaced. When a cloth face covering is temporarily removed, it should be placed in a clean, safe area, clearly marked with the student’s name and date, until it needs to be put on again.

    All staff must use face coverings in accordance with CDPH guidelines unless Cal/OSHA standards require respiratory protection. For staff who come into routine contact with others, CDPH recommends the use of disposable 3-ply surgical masks, which are more effective than cloth face coverings. In limited situations where a face covering cannot be used for pedagogical or developmental reasons, (e.g., communicating or assisting young children or those with special needs) a face shield with a drape (per CDPH guidelines) can be used instead of a face covering while in the classroom as long as the wearer maintains physical distance from others. Staff must return to wearing a face covering outside of the classroom. 

    Additional details are outlined in the most recent CDPH guidance for schools. 
  6. Clean and disinfect
  7. Monitor your health daily

Visit the CDC for more guidance on how to protect yourself and others.

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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