OSDH COVID guidance for K-12 schools

The OSDH recommends schools implement a set of core infectious disease prevention strategies as part of their normal operations. Adding and layering COVID-19-specific prevention strategies tied to COVID-19 Community Levels allow for a flexible plan that provides optimal protection to staff and students while increasing in-person learning.

Key best practices for schools

• Promote COVID-19 vaccination • Stay home when sick and get tested

• Encourage consistent and correct mask use

• Consider cohorting student/ staff

• Develop and communicate a written protocol for notifying exposed contacts

• Implement in-school testing programs to help keep schools open to in-person learning

• Enroll in Operation Expanded Testing, a federal program forfree and timely testing

• Encourage parents and staff to participate in OSDH‚s case investigationand contact tracingprogram

• Continue to implement layeredprevention strategy to reduce the risk of COVID-19 inschool settings

• Encourage hand washing and respiratory etiquette

• Maintain clean and healthy facilities

Symptoms

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficultybreathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea This list does not include all possible symptoms.

When to seek emergency medical attention

Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Trouble breathing

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

• New confusion

• Inability to wake or stay awake

• Bluish lips or face *This list is not all possible symptoms. Call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility, and notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID- 19.