• What is Coronavirus?

    Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing respiratory illness in people and others circulating among animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people. Previous coronavirus outbreaks have included severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes the risk to the American public of becoming infected with this novel coronavirus is currently low. Because this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, the CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available, including any changes in the risk assessment.How does it spread?Although we have a lot to learn about this virus, it is currently believed that it spreads like other respiratory viruses- by people with the infection coughing and sneezing. These droplets are inhaled by other people or moved to the eyes, nose or mouth by contaminated hands.
     

    What are the symptoms of this infection?

    Symptoms of COVID-19 may include the following:
     
    • Fever
    • Coughing
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

    If you have returned in the past 14 days from travel to a country with a COVID-19 outbreak OR have been exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19 AND are experiencing fever and respiratory symptoms (such as fever with coughing or difficulty breathing/shortness of breath), the CDC advises you to seek medical advice and call ahead to your health-care provider or nurse advice line.

    Additionally, if you have NOT returned in the past 14 days from travel to a country with a COVID-19 outbreak OR have NOT been exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19, but do have a fever and respiratory symptoms seek medical advice and call ahead to your health-care provider or nurse advice line. Please do not show up at a clinic, urgent care, emergency room or other health facilities without calling first. Your provider will need to take special measures to protect other people in the clinic. Telemedicine may also be available, enabling you to consult a provider from home.

    Where can I get more information about the novel coronavirus?

    For current information about this evolving public health crisis, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2019 Novel Coronavirus page. For local information, visit the following online resources:
     

    The ACPHD works directly with the CDC and with the Alameda County Office of Education to provide school districts with updates and other information that we need to communicate with our schools and families. Below is a direct link to their website.

    ACPHD Webpage

    What can SLUSD students, families, and staff do?

    • Continue to follow 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.
    • Parents and guardians, ensure your contact information is up-to-date in the event that large group notifications are sent by phone, email, and text message. Keep yourself up-to-date on what the ACDPH, California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggest.
    • Discuss questions and concerns with children and help them practice good prevention. Depending on your child’s age, some helpful resources may include: “Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus” and “How to Talk to Kids About Coronavirus.”