Be knowledgeable about Coronavirus
03/05/2020

For schools and educators, the spread of COVID-19, or Coronavirus, should be monitored carefully. Current exposure levels in the U.S. are low, but the situation is developing rapidly.

Misinformation about the virus can be dangerous to your health and that of your students. Find reliable, verified information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The National Education Association has also prepared information specific to schools and educators to inform and guide. Steps you can take or implement in your classroom, include:

• Stay home when you are sick. Do not return to work or school until you, or your students, are free of fever (According to the CDC, a fever is 100.4°F or greater using an oral thermometer.), signs of a fever and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medication.
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in your classroom with a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

Post this handwashing guide from the CDC in your classroom, and encourage students to practice safe handwashing practices. The general guidance is wash your hands as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice, but there are ways to make it fun and find your own songs.

Be vigilant and keep yourself and your students healthy.