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Conronavirus Information for K-12 Schools

By Sylvia Guidry-Brown, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CSN posted 02-05-2020 13:14

  
From the Department of Health:

BACKGROUND
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common throughout the world. These viruses, at times, can evolve and infect people, then spread through human-to-human contact. Human coronaviruses spread just like the flu or a cold — through the air by coughing or sneezing; through close personal contact, like touching or shaking hands; by touching an object or surface with the viruses on it; and occasionally, through fecal contamination. Currently, the threat of someone in the United States becoming sick with the novel coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV, is very low. Those at risk are those who have traveled to China, and those caring for those who already have the virus.

WHAT SHOULD SCHOOLS DO?
K-12 schools may have exchange or other students who attend their school and have traveled to various locations in Asia, including China. Effective 5:00 p.m., February 2, 2020, most foreign nationals will be restricted from entry to the United States.

If a student arrived BEFORE February 2, 2020 and had traveled in the last 14 days in mainland China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau), and develops a fever, cough, difficulty breathing or other symptoms, they should be evaluated. The person (or child) should immediately contact their healthcare provider and inform them that they are experiencing illness and have been in China over the past 14 days. Their healthcare provider will contact the state to determine if the person (child) needs further evaluation and testing for Coronavirus.

WHAT IF WE HAVE A STUDENT WHOSE HEALTH IS BEING MONITORED?
It is possible that a few students in Louisiana will need to be isolated at home for up to 14 days. We encourage schools to support students who may be isolated by allowing for leniency in absenteeism from classes and extra-curricular activities.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES
The Louisiana Office of Public Health encourages schools to increase education on ways to protect yourself from illnesses such as the cold, flu and also the coronavirus:
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow. Do not use your hands!
• Clean surfaces frequently, such as countertops, light switches, cellphones and other frequently touched areas.
• Contain – if you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better.
RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information, visit http://ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus.

For information on what to do if you are sick, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/sick-with-2019-nCoV-fact-sheet.pdf

The latest information on the coronavirus in the U.S. and worldwide can be found on the CDC website.

For more information, visit http://www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus. If you have questions about the Coronavirus, please contact the LOPH Coronavirus general information line at 1-855-523-2652 during business hours 8am – 4:30pm Monday through Friday.

2020_LDH_K-12_Coronavirus_Fact_Sheet__1_.docx
2019-nCoV-identify-assess-flowchart-2020-02-01-508_Louiana_edit5_2-3-20__1_.pdf
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