What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. As we start to share our specific reopening plans, it is useful to remember how the COVID-19 virus is spread, so we can better understand when and how specific protocols and interventions might be effective.
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the COVID-19 virus, and so the best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person through close contact with one another and through respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks.
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the COVID-19 virus, and so the best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person through close contact with one another and through respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks.
Symptoms:
The COVID-19 virus may cause mild to severe illness. Research suggests that some people will not experience any symptoms and may still spread the virus. While there are a range of symptoms, those that our medical advisors focus on are:
1. New onset cough or shortness of breath alone
2. Otherwise unexplained loss of smell or taste alone
3. Or, 2 of the following:
Symptoms may also include headache, fatigue, or a runny nose. Runny nose alone is not currently considered a concern.
We ask that families contact the school nurse in their division if the student shows any of these symptoms.
1. New onset cough or shortness of breath alone
2. Otherwise unexplained loss of smell or taste alone
3. Or, 2 of the following:
-
- fever (temperature 100.0 F or higher)
- chills/repeated shaking with chills
- muscle pain/joint pain
- sore throat
- GI symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Symptoms may also include headache, fatigue, or a runny nose. Runny nose alone is not currently considered a concern.
We ask that families contact the school nurse in their division if the student shows any of these symptoms.
This restart guide represents our best thinking, as well as that of experts at some of the top medical and educational institutions in the nation. Thank you to all of our medical advisors and peer schools for your guidance in helping to identify the specific protocols and resources referenced in this comprehensive plan.
