Coronavirus Preparations for Schools

The intensive media coverage of the coronavirus outbreak (now officially designated as COVID-19) could be raising many concerns in your local schools. Your staff and parents may have questions on what risks are faced in your schools. At least one case of bullying may have been motivated by fears about coronavirus. It’s helpful for all these community members to keep the fears of this new disease threat in perspective.

The current risk of coronavirus for the general public in the US is low according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In contrast to the widespread influenza (flu) activity throughout most of the country, coronavirus infections are extremely isolated at this point.

The good news is that many of the precautions individuals should be taking to protect against the flu are the same actions that will help protect against coronavirus and similar infectious diseases from spreading. While there is presently no vaccine for this coronavirus, everyone can employ non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to reduce their risks for infection, and minimize epidemic risk. NPIs include:

• Staying home when you are sick.
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue and disposing of the tissues in the trash.
• Washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water is not available.

"Have an effective plan for a possible future pandemic if it’s needed."

While the US coronavirus risk is currently low, the global situation is changing on a daily basis. You will need to have an effective plan for a possible future pandemic if it’s needed. Your response plan may include steps including:

• Staying home if you have been exposed to a family or household member who is sick.
• Covering your nose and mouth with a mask or cloth if you are sick and around people or at a mass gathering in a community where the pandemic is already occurring.
• Social distancing: Creating ways to increase distance between people in settings where people commonly come into close contact with one another. Specific priority settings include schools, workplaces, events, meetings, and other places where people gather.
• Closures: Temporarily closing schools and other places where large numbers of people gather.

We encourage you to stay informed with the most reliable information about coronavirus and the steps recommended for schools. The most up-to-date information will come from the CDC, including specific guidance for schools. Additional information about these developments is available from the California Department of Public Health.