8 Key Themes for School-to-Home Communication About Coronavirus (With Sample Posts)

“As you may be aware, a new coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread from China to at least 40 countries around the world, and the risk to people in the United States is low according to health authorities. The health and wellbeing of our students and staff is a top priority and we share concerns about the spread of this virus.” — Tina Nilsen-Hodges (New Roots Charter School, NY)

“[The Head Officer of the local Public Health Department] confirmed two new cases of COVID-19 in our County, bringing the total number of cases to nine:

The eighth case is an adult male household contact of a confirmed case in another county. He is under home isolation.
The ninth case is an adult male household contact of a previously confirmed case in Santa Clara County. He is also under home isolation.

Please be aware that we have had NO cases of Coronavirus among our student population or our staff members.” — Milpitas Unified School District

“The Trivium Charter School Network is continuing to closely monitor the coronavirus (now named COVID-19) situation. As of March 1, there are no known cases of coronavirus in Santa Barbara County or San Luis Obispo County. While the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) considers this a serious public health concern, based on current information, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 to the general American public is considered low at this time. More information can be found on their site. — Jennifer Flores at Trivium Charter Schools in CA”

“We will continue to follow the County directive and place any students or staff members who are returning from mainland China or Korea on a 14-day self-quarantine period. Students will be placed in our Short-Term Independent Study Program.

At this time, per Dr. Cody, the health risk to the general public in the County from COVID-19 remains LOW. However, we are revising the MUSD Pandemic Virus Plan using guidelines from the California Department of Education.” — Milpitas Unified School District

“COVID-19 is likely to continue to spread in Washington. Although school closures and other community-based actions to prevent transmission of COVID-19 are not currently recommended, community members can take steps now to prepare for the possible spread of COVID-19 locally by planning ahead for how to adjust work and home routines.” — Nancy McNeely (Meadows Montessori, WA)

“The IDPH also recommends the best way to protect against coronavirus is by taking the same everyday precautions against getting sick in general.

These include:

• • Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
  • Staying home when you are sick.
  • Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.”

— Stephen Geraci (Burnham Elementary School, IL)

“Our class is scheduled to wash their hands during these times/parts of the day: 10:35am and 11:55am (immediate before recess snack and lunch), and 1:40pm (self care break).” — 4th grade teacher in San Francisco, CA

What is DPS doing in light of the disease?
We are taking this issue very seriously and are monitoring updates from city and state health departments regarding the outbreak. We are also staying in close contact with schools to check on the health of students and staff. Crews are also regularly and thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting school buildings. — Milli Sandoval (Denver Public Schools, CO)

“Our planning and response strategies reflect our commitment to an inclusive and caring school community. As such, individuals will not be excluded from school or any school activities based on race or country of origin. Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity. People of Asian descent, including Chinese Americans, are not more likely to get COVID-19 than any other American.” — Tina Nilson-Hodges (New Roots Charter School, NY)

“As the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) emphasized recently, there is not currently a coronavirus pandemic in the United States. The number of cases across the U.S. is still small. (A pandemic occurs when a disease is spreading from a variety of sources across a large region.)
However, as the global situation is evolving, we are constantly monitoring new developments and will continue to reevaluate our steps and actions daily.” — Angelina Calderon (Bright Star Schools, CA)

“We understand that people are concerned about the spread of COVID-19 in our region, and it’s likely that we will see more cases of COVID-19 in the days and weeks to come,” said Dr. Greg Stern, Whatcom County Health Officer. “We are urging community members to practice personal prevention steps such as washing hands frequently and staying home when sick. These actions help to not only keep individuals healthy, but are also important to help slow the spread of disease through our community.” — Nancy McNeely (Meadows Montessori, WA)

Meadows Montessori Families,

Please see an update below from the Whatcom County Health Department:

WCHD RECOMMENDING PERSONAL PREVENTION, NOT CLOSURES

BELLINGHAM, WA – The Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD) is reminding Whatcom residents to take steps to protect their health and prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. At this time, WCHD is not recommending other community-based strategies for infection control, such as school closures or canceling large public gatherings or events.

No cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Whatcom County as of Monday afternoon.

“We understand that people are concerned about the spread of COVID-19 in our region, and it’s likely that we will see more cases of COVID-19 in the days and weeks to come,” said Dr. Greg Stern, Whatcom County Health Officer. “We are urging community members to practice personal prevention steps such as washing hands frequently and staying home when sick. These actions help to not only keep individuals healthy, but are also important to help slow the spread of disease through our community.”

PERSONAL PREVENTION STEPS:

• Everyone should take simple steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Cough and sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue, then throw away the tissue.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you or a family member is sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently used objects and surfaces.

People with mild symptoms should stay home and rest. People who are severely ill or at high risk for severe illness should stay home and call their health care provider.

Public health officials do not recommend healthy people wear masks to prevent respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. People who are sick should wear masks when they are seeking medical care. It is important that supplies of masks and other personal protective equipment remain available for health care providers who are evaluating and treating ill people.

PLANNING AHEAD

COVID-19 is likely to continue to spread in Washington. Although school closures and other community-based actions to prevent transmission of COVID-19 are not currently recommended, community members can take steps now to prepare for the possible spread of COVID-19 locally by planning ahead for how to adjust work and home routines.

Plan for how you will care for kids or other loved ones at home. Talk about how you’ll arrange childcare if schools or childcare facilities are closed. When schools are closed, children should also avoid gathering together.

Discuss sick leave policies and telework options with your employer. If you need to stay home to care for kids or other loved ones, you may be able to work remotely.

Be ready to help neighbors and elders in your community. Plan for ways that you can help take care of people who are at greater risk for serious illness, like people with chronic health conditions or people over 65. Talk with your neighbors, and plan for ways you can help take care of one another, like dropping off groceries on their doorstep or taking turns with childcare.

For more information on novel coronavirus:

This is an emerging outbreak with rapidly evolving information. Updates will be made as new information emerges on the DOH website and Whatcom County Health Department’s website. The Washington State Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. If you have questions about what is happening in Washington state, how the virus is spread, and what to do if you have symptoms, please call 1-800-525-0127 and press #. You can also follow DOH & Whatcom County on social media.

Dear Parents,

Today there was an incident in the classroom where a couple of students were chasing each other saying that they had the Coronavirus. Other’s have expressed their fear of getting infected. With all the information in the news, this can be scary for kids.

Please help me, help our children separate the facts from the myths and have them focus on staying healthy. I am attaching a link to a Brain POP Video about the Coronavirus that can facilitate the discussion about this topic with your child.

Thank you for your support.

Mrs. Goussen

Coronavirus Video

Dear Families,

At [school name], we emphasize good hygiene with our students throughout the school year. In addition to Principal [name]’s morning announcement reminders about best practices, Room [number] also reviews throughout the year these best practices. I wanted to share with you the information that we reviewed today.

Best practices for prevention of the spread of viruses, including COVID- 19 and the common cold or flu:

• wash hands frequently
• do not touch eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
• and get a flu shot

In addition, my students watched a video about hand washing, and read a comic strip for kids that helps them understand the information currently available around COVID-19. You can view that comic here.

Our class is scheduled to wash their hands during these times/parts of the day: 10:35am and 11:55am (immediate before recess snack and lunch), and 1:40pm (self care break).

You can find more information and updates on the [district name] website FAQ.

Good morning New Roots Families,

As you may be aware, a new coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread from China to at least 40 countries around the world, and the risk to people in the United States is low according to health authorities. The health and wellbeing of our students and staff is a top priority and we share concerns about the spread of this virus. To date, there are no confirmed cases in New York State.

During this time of the year, there are many possible causes for respiratory illness and there is currently no need to cancel school or social events, or for students or staff to wear surgical masks at school. Our planning and response strategies reflect our commitment to an inclusive and caring school community. As such, individuals will not be excluded from school or any school activities based on race or country of origin. Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity. People of Asian descent, including Chinese Americans, are not more likely to get COVID-19 than any other American.

Cases in the U.S. have been limited, though federal agencies are advising communities to prepare for the spread of COVID-19. We are staying current with the latest information and recommendations in collaboration with local and state authorities, along with other educational institutions. We are also undergoing a process to review our policies and practices relating to contagious illnesses with the support of state and local health authorities, up to and including measures like school closures, or canceling of international student trips. Currently, the risk to the general public is low, so right now there are no additional precautions recommended for the general public.

As a reminder, the following everyday actions help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For the latest updates please regularly check the NYSDOH’s 2019 Novel (New) Coronavirus webpage, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) 2019 Novel Coronavirus and the CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions and Answers webpages.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Your student’s wellbeing is our highest priority and we appreciate the opportunity to alleviate any concerns.

Bright Star Families,

We hope this message finds you well.

At Bright Star, we are continuing to monitor developments with regard to COVID-19 (coronavirus), and want to ensure you feel informed. The safety, health, and well-being of our students, families, and staff are our top priority.

As the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) emphasized recently, there is not currently a coronavirus pandemic in the United States. The number of cases across the U.S. is still small. (A pandemic occurs when a disease is spreading from a variety of sources across a large region.)

However, as the global situation is evolving, we are constantly monitoring new developments and will continue to reevaluate our steps and actions daily.

Importantly, students should stay home when they are sick, starting at the beginning of the illness (see guidelines below). If your child is ill, please let your school know, and seek medical attention from your doctor. If you are concerned you or your child may have COVID-19, please see your doctor.

Please keep your student home if they have:

• Fever. Any temperature of 100.4° Fahrenheit (38° Centigrade) or above is a fever, and children shouldn’t go to school with fevers. Not only are fevers a sign of some sort of infection, it also usually means that they are contagious. There’s no way you can know whether things will get better or worse — and while giving them medicine might bring the fever down, it won’t stop them from being contagious. Please wait 24 hours after the fever has ended before returning to school.
• Vomiting or diarrhea. It’s unfair all around — to the child and the school — to send a child with vomiting or diarrhea, no matter how well they might look to you. The same 24-hour rule applies, although it’s worth checking with your doctor for advice. Some viruses, such as norovirus, can be contagious for an extra day or so.

In addition, the LA County Department of Public Health has advised community members to take the following actions to reduce your risk of illness:

• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  Limit close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Get a flu shot — it’s not too late to be protected against influenza.

See additional information from the LA County Department of Public Health by clicking here.

While the risk of the virus in California is very low, we are having regular conversations about the potential impact of the virus on our schools. As your family plans for Spring Break, please note, the CDC has cautioned that any travelers returning from China, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Iran, and Hong Kong, who are sick with a fever, cough or shortness of breath, should immediately seek medical help, avoid contact with others, and exercise increased sanitation.

If we all continue to work together and follow these important guidelines, we can keep our students, staff, and community healthy. Please share this information with your family and caregivers. We truly appreciate your partnership in this.

We will continue to monitor the situation and will keep you updated and informed.

Dear Burnham Elementary School Students, Staff and Families,

The health and safety of our students is our top priority, so we want to share with you information that the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has published for schools throughout the state.

The good news at this time is that the health risk to the general public from coronavirus remains low. Currently, the IDPH recommends schools hold classes and events as usual, and follow routine cleaning and disinfecting procedures; no special measures are necessary.
The IDPH also recommends the best way to protect against coronavirus is by taking the same everyday precautions against getting sick in general.

These include:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Staying home when you are sick.
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

We will continue to closely monitor recommendations regarding coronavirus and will update you as soon as there are any significant changes in recommendations for schools. Thank you for your support in helping to keep our school community healthy.

Trivium Charter School Network Families and Staff,

The Trivium Charter School Network is continuing to closely monitor the coronavirus (now named COVID-19) situation. As of March 1, there are no known cases of coronavirus in Santa Barbara County or San Luis Obispo County. While the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) considers this a serious public health concern, based on current information, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 to the general American public is considered low at this time. More information can be found on their site.

The Santa Barbara County’s Public Health Department has local information here and has established a hotline with recorded information in English and Spanish at [number].

The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department has local information here and has established a hotline with recorded information in English and Spanish at [number].

As a reminder, if your child is sick, please keep them home from school. To help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including the coronavirus and flu, follow these guidelines:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wash hands after using and handling used tissues, after blowing your nose, before/after eating, and after toilet use.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Do not share utensils, cups, etc…
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Individuals with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
• Wearing masks in public is not recommended for Americans by the CDC nor by our local public health department. It will be discouraged in schools. Handwashing is considered the best protection from infectious diseases.

More information about 2019-nCoV:

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause symptoms of colds. However, this is a “novel” virus, originating in China in late 2019 (hence the name, 2019 Novel Coronavirus). Until recently, this particular strain of coronavirus circulated among animals only. Now it appears to have spread to humans and can be spread between humans. The abbreviated term for this virus is: 2019-nCoV

Current Understanding of Virus:

• Symptoms most commonly include: fever with cough or shortness of breath; Some people have fewer or no symptoms at all. Headache, sore throat, and runny nose also occur with this virus.
• Spread is most likely from droplets (cough and sneezing)
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers this a serious public health threat. The health risk from this virus is still considered to be low at this time.
• It is not yet known whether people carrying the virus (but have no symptoms) can spread the virus to others.
• Symptoms of 2019-nCoV may appear in as few as 2 days, or as long as 14 days, after exposure.
• Most people with this infection will recover on their own. There is no specific treatment for novel coronavirus infection yet.
• For patients who are more severely ill, hospitals can provide supportive care.

Additional Resources:

Information on this virus and how to control its spread may change in the following days and weeks. Trivium Charter School will update the information, as it becomes available. The following websites are available for up to date, accurate information:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• California Department of Public Health
• Santa Barbara County Public Health
• San Luis Obispo County Public Health

Trivium Charter School will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

We thank you for your cooperation and support.

Hello MUSD Families and Team Members,

As we navigate this challenging time together, be assured that we are vigilant in our response and protocols for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our district leadership is regularly updated with the latest school directives from the Santa Clara County Public Health Official and the Santa Clara County Office of Education.

Milpitas Unified School District attended a March 2 debriefing led by County Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan and Dr. Sara Cody, the Head Officer of the SCC Public Health Department.

Dr. Cody confirmed two new cases of COVID-19 in our County, bringing the total number of cases to nine:

The eighth case is an adult male household contact of a confirmed case in another county. He is under home isolation.
The ninth case is an adult male household contact of a previously confirmed case in Santa Clara County. He is also under home isolation.

Please be aware that we have had NO cases of Coronavirus among our student population or our staff members. We will continue to follow the County directive and place any students or staff members who are returning from mainland China or Korea on a 14-day self-quarantine period. Students will be placed in our Short-Term Independent Study Program.

At this time, per Dr. Cody, the health risk to the general public in the County from COVID-19 remains LOW. However, we are revising the MUSD Pandemic Virus Plan using guidelines from the California Department of Education.

We expect all MUSD staff and students to adhere to these preventative measures:

• Disinfecting of surfaces in all Common Areas at all sites.
• Students and staff are instructed to wash their hands frequently throughout the day.
• Hand sanitizer has been provided for every classroom.
  Staff has been routinely cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

What you can do at home:

• Keep your hands clean by washing them frequently, especially after you touch common surfaces, such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, handrails, light switches, countertops, and tables. It is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
• Always cover your cough with an elbow or tissue.
• Stay away from people who are sick, and stay home if you are sick.
• Do not touch your face to prevent viruses from spreading through your mouth, nose or eyes.  If you do need to touch your own mouth, nose or eyes, wash your hands before you do so.
• Start thinking about family preparedness, how to take care of sick family members while not getting infected. Think about a room in the home where to isolate a sick person.

We will update our Coronavirus web page as information becomes available. For the latest developments from the SCC Public Health Department on the Coronavirus, please use these links (which can also be found on the District website): English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese.

The safety and well being of all our students remains our top priority!

Dear Team DPS,

We wanted to share an update about the 2019 Coronavirus and the work we’re doing with city and state health department leaders to ensure our staff, students and families have important information about the virus and steps to take to stay healthy.

DPS is working closely with the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) and with the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) about the Coronavirus Disease 2019, also known as COVID-19.

At this time, we know:

• Colorado has no confirmed cases of the disease.
• The virus is not spreading in the United States.
• Most Americans have a low risk of being exposed to the virus.

Right now, people thought to be at risk for the virus are those who have traveled to Wuhan, China, or people who have come in close contact with a person who is infected with the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization are keeping an eye on the outbreak in China and other affected countries. Both agencies are giving updated guidance to federal, state and local officials.

What is DPS doing in light of the disease?
We are taking this issue very seriously and are monitoring updates from city and state health departments regarding the outbreak. We are also staying in close contact with schools to check on the health of students and staff. Crews are also regularly and thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting school buildings.

Following direction from our city and state health agencies, district leaders are creating an extensive plan so that DPS is ready if the disease impacts our community. If we do have an outbreak of COVID-19 in Colorado, we are prepared to work closely with public-health leaders to reduce the impact.

We are strongly encouraging parents to keep their students home from school if they may be sick, and we ask you to share that important health message with your community. We are also sending information to all DPS families about the virus and the steps we’re taking with local health agencies. We also ask that team members stay home if they are not feeling well to protect the health and wellness of all students and staff.

Where can I learn more about the virus?
To learn more about this disease, please review this information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and CDPHE:

• 2019 Coronavirus Fact Sheet (CDPHE)
• Centers for Disease Control overview
• CDPHE overview

If you have general questions about the virus, please call CO-Help at 303-389-1687 or 877-462-2911, or email COHELP@RMPDC.org. Answers are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin and other languages.

If you would like more information about what your school or team is doing to protect the health and safety of the school community, please reach out to your school nurse or email [school communications email address].

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are continuing to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (now named COVID-19) situation. As of February 28, 2020, Kern County health officials report there are no known cases of the novel coronavirus in Kern County and the risk to the general public in California remains low.

With that said, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently shared that the novel coronavirus will likely begin spreading in communities in the United States and Americans should begin preparations now. For this reason, we are working with local health officials to establish protocols for schools in the event that the novel coronavirus does spread in Kern County.

At this time, there are no intentions of closing the school(s) or altering student schedules or activities.

In the meantime, current information about the novel coronavirus is available on Kern County Public Health’s website, which can be found at: https://kernpublichealth.com/2019-novel-coronavirus/

As a reminder, if your child is sick, please keep him/her home from school. And, to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including the novel coronavirus and flu, follow these important tips:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Individuals with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
• Get vaccinated for flu every year.

KCSOS School District will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. If you have questions about these topics, please contact Becky Bartz. We thank you for your cooperation and support.