Information on Coronavirus (last updated on 3/10/2020)
With increasing coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, we are working closely with the Public Health/Health Services Agency (HSA) and school districts to keep our schools, students and employees safe.
On March 7, the California Department of Public Health issued new School Guidance meant to slow the spread of COVID-19 across the state, reduce the number of people infected, and protect those who are most vulnerable to severe illness.
Currently, as of March 10, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Stanislaus County. We are preparing for a potential impact that this virus may have in our county, and in accordance with HSA’s recommendations, have taken measures to prevent the spread of the virus in our schools. Measures taken include increased cleaning and disinfecting procedures for classrooms, restrooms, cafeterias, offices and common area spaces. These include, but are not limited to, door handles, light switches, phone receivers, computer keyboards, student and staff desks, chairs, faucets, countertops, sinks, pencil sharpeners, towel and soap dispensers.
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, but with health risk from this virus to be low at this time.
Symptoms of COVID-19 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.
General Guidelines for Schools
All children and staff members with fever (>100.4 F / >38C) should remain home (from school and other activities) until they had no fever for 24 hours, without fever medication.
A student who has been to any part of China within the past two weeks should be excluded from school only if that student has a sign of a respiratory illness (fever and either cough or shortness of breath).
Students should not be excluded from school or any school activities based on race, country of origin, or recent travel, including to any part of China.
If a student or staff member who has been to China within the past 14 days presents at school with fever and symptoms of either cough or shortness of breath, then a site nurse or health technician will:
Until the person leaves school, place a surgical mask on that student or staff member if it is tolerated. If possible, keep that person isolated (students must still be visible and supervised by a staff member); otherwise, try to keep a 3 foot or more distance between students and others.
Contact the student’s parent/guardian and advise them to visit their doctor immediately.
It’s suggested that any disease notification letters sent from school to the general school community and to schools’ parent community be done in consultation with the Public Health Department. If you have questions about this step, please contact
Preventing Illness
To help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including the 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 every year
Wearing of face masks by students and staff members. Wearing of masks in public is not recommended for Americans by the CDC nor by our local public health department. It will be discouraged in schools. Hand washing is considered the best protection from infectious diseases.
History of the virus
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. Originally the abbreviated term for this virus was: 2019-nCoV. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially named the 2019-nCoV virus and associated disease as follows:
Virus – SARS-CoV-2
Disease – COVID-19
