COVID-19 Facts & Information: SNC

Masking is Optional by NWESD Communications

Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19

To minimize our personal and collective risk of exposure, the steps below are recommended by the CDC and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to help prevent contamination and spread of COVID-19.

They are the same steps you would take to prevent the spread of the flu and/or a common cold:

• Wear a mask or face covering.
• Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms length) from other people.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water especially after eating and after coming into contact with others. Use an alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Stay home while you are sick (except to get medical care) and avoid close contact with others.
• Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched object and surfaces.

Resources

Local

• Local Health Departments and Districts
• NWESD – School District websites

State

• Washington State Coronavirus Response
• Requirements and Guidance to Mitigate COVID-19 Transmission in K-12 Schools and Child Care (DOH)
• OSPI – Guidance & Resources

National

• Center for Disease Control (CDC)
• National Association of School Nurses (NASN)
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Global

• Information from the World Health Organization (WHO)

Communicating with students

• Talking to kids about wearing masks (PBS)
• Talking to Children About COVID-19 (NASP)
• Coping with Stress During an Outbreak (English) SAMHSA

School District Resources

• Classroom Cleaning (CDC)

Public Health Coordination

The NWESD School Public Health Coordinator collaborates with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), and the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD). This partnership aims to provide regional support to school districts in the NWESD area, focusing on statewide and regional initiatives for the prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery related to COVID-19 and other significant public health issues. The Coordinator works closely with the School Nurse Corps, Prevention and Intervention Services Programs and local health jurisdictions.