COVID-19 News and Updates

COVID Compliance Liaison:

Andy Bakulski, House 1 Assistant Principal

860-379-8525 ex. 2200

Northwest Region 7 School District Health Services

Dorothy Mitchell, RN
Patricia Severson, RN

Phone: 860.379.8525, ext. 2618 or ext. 2619
FAX : 860.379.8940

LATEST COVID19 UPDATES

COMPLETE LIST OF COVID19 MATERIALS ISSUED BY THE CT STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (CSDE)

For more COVID19 resources, please visit the CSDE’s web site at: https://portal.ct.gov/sde

"Conversation with NWR7 Nurses" presentation. To watch the full broadcast click here.

Regional School District No. 7 Reopen Plan

Regional School District No. 7 Reopen Plan submitted to the State Department of Education.

Connecticut's Reopen Plan - Adapt, Advance, Achieve

The latest State of Connecticut Travel Advisory Information.

Symptoms

State of CT Travel Advisory Information:

For families planning on traveling during the holiday season please research the CT Travel Advisory website to see what states are on the advisory list. The list is updated every Tuesday.

Self-Quarantine for Affected Travelers: All travelers to "Affected States" shall self-quarantine for a period of 14 days upon their return to CT if they have spent 24 hours or more in an affected state. See updated list of Affected States on the CT Travel Advisory Website.

Testing Alternative: Gov Lamont recently changed the the travel rules and stated that a traveler is exempt from the self-quarantine requirement if they have a NEGATIVE COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours prior to returning to CT, or a NEGATIVE COVID -19 PCR test within 72 hours following their return to CT. Until the test results are in writing and submitted to the State of CT, the traveler must quarantine.

-Only PCR tests shall be accepted. Rapid testing is not accepted for this purpose.
-The Affected Traveler must remain in self-quarantine while awaiting the test results and until a negative test result is submitted to the State of CT.
-Please follow the State requirements for travel forms and submission of negative test results to the State of CT.
-Please contact your child's school nurse if you will be traveling and before your child's return to school.
-Written proof of a negative test result is required for return to school. The written proof of the negative test MUST be sent to the Nurses BEFORE the student may return to school. This testing alternative applies to the travel advisory only, not to the 14-day self-quarantine recommendations resulting from a close contact situation.

FYI: the CT Department of Public Health recommends the 14 day quarantine when returning to CT from an Affected State.

RN- Real News from the Nurses - NORTHWESTERN REGIONAL SCHOOL ...

Covid 19 Symptom Checker

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

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

If you have any of the above symptoms, please STAY HOME.

Please call the nurses directly at 860-379-8525 x 2618 or 2619 if your child has any of the above.

8/16/2020

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Northwest Region 7
COVID 19 At Home Health Screening Checklist For
Both Students and Staff

How do I know what to do?

SECTION 1: Symptoms

If you have any of the following symptoms, that indicates a possible illness that reduces ability to study/ work and puts the person at risk for spreading illness to others. Please check for these symptoms:

Temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher when taken by mouth
Sore throat
NEW uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing (for people with chronic allergic/asthmatic cough, a change in their cough from baseline)
New loss of taste or smell
Diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain
New onset severe headache, especially with a fever

SECTION 2: Close Contact/Potential Exposure

Had close contact (within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) with a person with a confirmed case of COVID 19
Traveled to or lived in an area where the local, Tribal, territorial, or state health department is reporting large numbers of COVID 19 cases
Live in areas of high community spread
Traveled via airplane or stayed in a state designated by State of CT as requiring 14 day quarantine

RESULTS

If you answer YES to any question in Section 1 but NO to any question in Section 2, you are excused from school/work in accordance with our existing school/ illness policy. Please stay home until symptom free for 24 hours without using fever reducing medications

If you answer YES to any question in Section 1 and YES to any question in Section 2, you must:

Stay home
Call your doctor who may refer you for COVID testing
If you test NEGATIVE, you may return to school once symptoms resolve and no fever reducing medication is used for 24 hours
If you test POSITIVE you must isolate until symptoms have resolved and no fever (without fever reducing meds) for 24 hours

If you answer YES to any question in Section 1 and YES to any question in Section 2 and did not get a COVID test, you must:

Isolate from others for 10 days after symptoms began
May return to school if no fever for 24 hours without fever reducing medication AND all symptoms have improved

8/16/2020

Mask Usage

Are masks mandatory?

Yes. Masks are mandatory. Governor Lamont issued a modification to his executive order re: masks. Anyone not wearing a mask must submit documentation of a medical exemption. "Barring limited exceptions, the Adapt, Advance, Achieve Reopening Document requires that children must wear masks in order to go to school. This requirement is not just for their own safety, it is for the safety of their peers and their teachers."

Who Should Not wear a mask?

The CT Department of Public Health and the CDC recommends that people with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease), lung cancer, or facial burns NOT wear masks. Some people with developmental delays may not be able to tolerate a mask. Children under 2 years, unconscious people and those who are unable to remove their mask are not expected to wear one.

Asthma is NOT considered a reason to go out of the home without a mask. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, if someone with chronic asthma is experiencing a flareup of symptoms, they should remain at home.

8/16/2020

Caring for Masks

Please be aware that students and staff will be expected to wear masks while on the bus, upon arrival to the school and while in the building. We suggest the use of cloth masks which should be washed daily.

Machine washing using hot water and regular detergent is preferred.

Masks should not be placed in pockets for later use. To store or transport, carefully fold the mask so the contaminated outside is folded inward and against itself. Place in a clean or new paper bag, and perform hand hygiene.

When removing a cloth face covering, be careful not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth, and perform hand hygiene immediately after removing.

Do NOT touch your mask while wearing it.

Socialization

Disinfecting

Medication Drop Off for Students

Medication Administration

Some students need to take medication at school. To the degree possible, parents will be encouraged to make every effort to identify ways that medications may be taken at home, instead of during school hours. This will reduce possible spread of illness. Additionally, there are sustained released (SR) medications that could possibly be used instead of fast-acting medication. The nurses will work with parents and physicians re: this possibility.

The following steps should be taken to ensure the safety of all students and minimize office clustering.

Parents of students who must take medication during school will need to make an appointment with the school nurse prior to the start of school to bring the medication in so that delivery time may be staggered. Parents will not be allowed “to drop in” with medications.

Any nebulizer medication delivery should be converted to an inhaler with a spacer to avoid Aerosolized Transmissible Diseases (ATD) of COVID-19. The school nurse will work with the primary care physician and parents re: this.

Parents with an appointment will bring in the medication along with the physician’s/health care provider’s signed order to the school nurse.

The physician’s medicine order must be signed by physician and parent/guardian

Bringing Medications to School

Make an appointment with the school nurse to drop the medication office at the school.
Medication must be delivered to the nurse by the parent/guardian or other responsible adult. (Over 18 years old).
Medication must be in the student’s original, pharmacy-labeled container or a sealed over-the-counter container.
All liquid medication must be accompanied by an appropriate measuring device.
Any tablets requiring partial doses (1/2 or 1/4) must be sent to school already cut.
A separate medication administration form is required for each medication and will be delivered with the medication

New Panel

Frequently Asked Questions

In the hybrid model, can my child switch from Cohort A to Cohort B to be with their friends?

How will lunch work? Will students be using the cafeteria? Will they be eating in their classrooms?

When will students be receiving their schedules?

I know there will be a mask break, but will there be any other short breaks? What if a student wants to take a drink of water from their water bottle during class, will that be allowed?

Water breaks are certainly allowed. We are providing teachers with training opportunities around teaching during the block to give guidance on segmenting the lesson so students are sitting and listening for a long period of time. There are many significant advantages and positive aspects to teaching and learning in a block schedule and we are excited about the transition.

What will commons look like during the hybrid model?

Can you please tell me how bussing will be affected by the hybrid model? Will bus routes be consolidated? What level of social distancing will be implemented?

Will juniors be allowed to drive since the hybrid model restricts the full senior class from driving on any given day?

We are planning on having juniors drive in based on availability during the hybrid model phase. We will assign senior spots first and then accept applications for juniors. Please contact Mrs. Melanson (dmelanson@nwr7.org). I would like to emphasize that the availability for juniors to park at school is temporary and limited to the hybrid schedule. Once we return to full, in-school learning, junior parking will be very limited because of the size of this year's senior class and the number or spaces available. If you have any other questions or would like more details, please let me know.

Were there any thoughts to just having all staff & students tested prior to returning to school?

Would the college and military representatives that would normally come to schools still be allowed to visit?

If a student has chosen to engage in distance learning only, would they still be required to have a physical prior to the start of school?

Students who are opting for distance learning will not need a current physical examination before the start of school. However, if the decision is made to fully reopen schools, a current physical would be required to come back so the advice from our nurses is to get the physical in order to make the transition back to in person learning a smooth one. Also, students in 7th and 10th grade are required by the state to have a current physical examination.

Will there be band, chorus and gym classes?

Yes

Some of the strategies we are implementing are listed below:

Band room, chorus room, auditorium, and outdoor space (if necessary) will be used for instruction
There will be no sharing of materials
Specialized PPE has been purchased for wind players and singers
Hybrid model allows for increased social distancing
Traffic patterns into/out of the rooms will be clearly marked
Opening/Closure of rehearsals will be structured in order to minimize the number of students getting instruments, etc.

How often will Regional 7 evaluate the reopen plan? Is the Hybrid model going to be in place for the entire year?

I have read that students who choose to come into school (in the hybrid plan)can change their mind at any time and begin full distance learning. What about the opposite?

How will study halls work if a student is distance learning?

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Does my child have to wear a mask?

Yes.

The Connecticut State Department of Education developed specific guidelines just for the schools. Specifically, pages 20-21 of the CSDE Adapt, Advance, Achieve report set forth the following requirements for schools districts

Requirements

• Adopt policies requiring use of face coverings for all students and staff when they are inside the school building, with certain exceptions listed below.

− For anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance,

face coverings and masks should not be required, per CDC guidancept, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together 21

− For anyone who has a medical reason making it unsafe to wear a face covering, masks should not be required.

The CSDE Adapt, Advance, Achieve report (at page 21) does permit you to provide exceptions for use of face coverings when other mitigating practices are in place, such as:

− For students, while eating, drinking, during PE, or when students are outside, and effectively practicing social distancing and any other possible mitigants. Exceptions may also be necessary for certain special education students or other special populations.

− For teachers and staff, while teaching so long as they are properly socially distancing or remaining static behind a physical barrier, while eating, drinking, or when outside and effectively practicing social distancing and any other possible mitigants.

Otherwise, masks are required in school.

Is there a medical exemption for not wearing a mask?

Yes.

While we await more specific guidance from the State Department of Education, schools have a right, if not an obligation to ensure/verify that the medical reason is legitimate. Our school nurses will be engaged in the verification process.

What is an acceptable mask and how should it be worn?

Masks need to meet certain standards for blocking the spread of aerosols. Surgical, N95, KN95 and multi-layered cloth masks work best. Single layered bandanas, neck gaiters, mesh-type or masks with exhalation valves are not as effective and should be avoided.

Masks must cover the nose AND mouth at all times. Please see our informational page below on masks and mask usage.

What if my child’s mask breaks or becomes unusable?

Although we will ask that every student bring an appropriate mask to school, we will supply a mask to any student who needs one throughout the day.

Will there be mask breaks?

Yes.

We will have scheduled mask breaks during the day as well as designated areas for breaks “as-needed” for students to responsibly remove masks for a short time.

What if a child refuses to wear a mask?

Adherence to our face mask policy is non-negotiable. It is a matter of public health and safety. Students without a mask will not be allowed to enter the building. Wearing a face mask provides protection for others who may be highly susceptible to COVID-19. Those who refuse to wear a mask will participate in our synchronous distance learning program.

HEALTH MONITORING and CONTAINMENT

How will we ensure that students don’t come to school when they're feeling ill?

It is our goal to partner with parents to help contain this virus. We are requesting that parents prescreen students prior to their arrival at school or riding the school bus. We expect that no child with a temperature over 100 degrees or COVID-like symptoms will be allowed to go to school.

What happens if a student displays COVID symptoms while at school?

Our nursing staff has developed a comprehensive plan to address sick students during this time. A nurse will escort the student to the containment area and evaluate the student further. Any symptoms or reported exposure will mean the parents are notified and the student will be dismissed to follow up with their healthcare practitioner.

What should I do if I believe my child has been exposed to COVID?

Your child should be seen by his/her personal healthcare provider. If a child has been exposed to the virus he/she must quarantine for 14 days per executive order. During this time, your child should engage in his/her classes remotely.

If symptoms develop, he/she cannot return to school for 10 days since symptoms first appeared and 24 hours with no fever (without fever-reducing medication)

Will I be notified if a COVID case presents in the school?

Yes. We will share this information with the local area health district and the community. We will adhere to all privacy laws in order to protect the family that is directly affected.

Will temps be taken on each student, everyday?

No. We are relying on a strong partnership with parents to implement pre-screening measures at home such as taking a child’s temperature. Any child with a 100 degree temperature or higher must stay home.

What criteria will the school use to close if COVID cases begin to rise?

We will use metrics supplied by the Connecticut State Department of Education and the Department of Public Health to determine the best course of action if cases begin to rise.

DISTANCE LEARNING

Will attendance be taken for students during distance learning?

Yes.

Attendance will be taken in homeroom and each class during synchronous, distance learning.

Can I move my child to distance learning if I don’t feel comfortable sending them to school after the school year has started?

Yes.

Our synchronous learning approach will make it easier for students to stay current in their classes whether they have to stay home for voluntary reasons or if they have COVID symptoms and are required to stay home for a period of time.

Can a student choose remote learning for academics but come into school to participate in more hands-on classes that cannot be done from home such as a science lab or art class?

No.

We would ask that a choice be made to distance learning or in-school instruction. A daily mix is not feasible due to operational restrictions.

TRANSPORTATION

Does my child have to wear a mask on the bus?

Yes.

Every child must wear a mask on the bus.

How will safety measures be implemented on the school bus?

Bus companies and their drivers are creating plans to ensure the bus is clean, children on the bus are wearing masks and staying socially distant. This will be done through methods such as boarding the bus from rear to front, monitoring mask use and cleaning the bus thoroughly between runs.

If I plan to drive my student to school, am I committed to doing so everyday? Or can we utilize a mix of parent and bus transportation?

You are not committed to driving your student to school everyday. It is acceptable to utilize both parent and bus transportation, as needed.

Image

Key Times to Wash Hands

You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:

Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
After you have been in public place and touched an item or surface that might have been touched by others: doors, tables, gas pumps, shopping carts
Before you touch your eyes, nose, mouth- that is how germs enter the body
Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick
Before and after treating a cut or wound
After using the toilet
After changing diapers
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
After handling pet food or pet treats
After touching garbage

pREVENTING tHE sPREAD OF COVID 19

Vaping and the Corona Virus

We have all heard of the vaping epidemic in our country. Those who vape are in dire danger if they get the Covid 19 virus and have increased risk of spreading the virus. Please use this link and read the info on this topic! Share it with your family and friends!

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/vaping-and-coronavirus-symptoms-complications_l_5e94649cc5b6765e95646a6f

Tips for Dealing with Stress During the Corona

https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma14-4885.pdf

https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/tips-social-distancing-quarantine-isolation-031620.pdf

While School is Out, Can My Kids Play With Their Friends?

The key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 is to practice social distancing. While school is out, children should not have in-person play dates with children from other households. If children are playing outside their own homes, it is essential that they remain 6 feet from anyone who is not in their own household.
To help children maintain social connections while social distancing, help your children have supervised phone calls or video chats with their friends.

General principles for talking to children

Remain calm and reassuring.

Remember that children will react to both what you say and how you say it. They will pick up cues from the conversations you have with them and with others.

Make yourself available to listen and to talk.

Make time to talk. Be sure children know they can come to you when they have questions.

Pay attention to what children see or hear on television, radio, or online.

Consider reducing the amount of screen time focused on COVID-19. Too much information on one topic can lead to anxiety.

Provide information that is honest and accurate.

Give children information that is truthful and appropriate for the age and developmental level of the child.
Talk to children about how some stories on COVID-19 on the Internet and social media may be based on rumors and inaccurate information.

Teach children everyday actions to reduce the spread of germs.

Remind children to stay away from people who are coughing or sneezing or sick.
Remind them to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow, then throw the tissue into the trash.
Discuss any new actions that may be taken at school to help protect children and school staff.
(e.g., increased handwashing, cancellation of events or activities)
Get children into a handwashing habit.
- Teach them to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- If soap and water are not available, teach them to use hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol. Supervise young children when they use hand sanitizer to prevent swallowing alcohol, especially in schools and child care facilities.

Facts about COVID-19 for discussions with children

Try to keep information simple and remind them that health and school officials are working hard to keep everyone safe and healthy.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the short name for “coronavirus disease 2019.” It is a new virus. Doctors and scientists are still learning about it.
Recently, this virus has made a lot of people sick. Scientists and doctors think that most people will be ok, especially kids, but some people might get pretty sick.
Doctors and health experts are working hard to help people stay healthy.

What happens if you get sick with COVID-19?

COVID-19 can look different in different people. For many people, being sick with COVID-19 would be a little bit like having the flu. People can get a fever, cough, or have a hard time taking deep breaths. Most people who have gotten COVID-19 have not gotten very sick. Only a small group of people who get it have had more serious problems. From what doctors have seen so far, most children don’t seem to get very sick. While a lot of adults get sick, most adults get better.
If you do get sick, it doesn’t mean you have COVID-19. People can get sick from all kinds of germs. What’s important to remember is that if you do get sick, the adults at home and school will help get you any help that you need.
If you suspect your child may have COVID-19, call the healthcare facility to let them know before you bring your child in to see them.

How to clean and disinfect by The CDC

Clean

Clean surfaces using soap and water. Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.

High touch surfaces include:
Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.

Illustratio: hand cleaning a counter using spray bottle

Disinfect

Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty. Then, use a household disinfectant.
Recommend use of EPA-registered household disinfectant external icon.
Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product.
Many products recommend:
- Keeping surface wet for a period of time (see product label)
- Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.

Diluted household bleach solutions may also be used if appropriate for the surface. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against corona viruses when properly diluted.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute
To make a bleach solution, mix:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
  OR
- 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol.

Illustration: soft surfaces - drapes, couch, pillows

Soft surfaces

For soft surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes

Clean the surface using soap and water or with cleaners appropriate for use on these surfaces.
Launder items (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.

OR
Disinfect with an EPA-registered household disinfectant. These disinfectants external icon meet EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19.

Follow manufacturer’s instruction for cleaning and dinfecting

Electronics

For electronics, such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, and remote controls.

Consider putting a wipeable cover on electronics
Follow manufacturer’s instruction for cleaning and disinfecting
- If no guidance, use alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol. Dry surface thoroughly.

Illustration: washing machine displaying 'hot'

Laundry

For clothing, towels, linens and other items

Wear disposable gloves.
Wash hands with soap and water as soon as you remove the gloves.
Do not shake dirty laundry.
Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
Dirty laundry from a sick person can be washed with other people’s items.
Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces.

Illustration: washing hands

Clean hands often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Always wash immediately after removing gloves and after contact with a sick person.
Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available and hands are not visibly dirty, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
Additional key times to clean hands include:
- After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After using the restroom
- Before eating or preparing food
- After contact with animals or pets
- Before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance (e.g. a child)
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

When Someone is Sick

Keep separate bedroom and bathroom for sick person

Bedroom and Bathroom

Keep separate bedroom and bathroom for sick person (if possible)

The sick person should stay separated from other people in the home (as much as possible).
If you have a separate bedroom and bathroom: Reduce cleaning to as-needed (e.g. soiled items and surfaces) to minimize the amount of contact with the sick person.
- Caregivers can provide personal cleaning supplies to the sick person (if appropriate). Supplies include tissues, paper towels, cleaners, and EPA-registered disinfectants external icon.
If shared bathroom: Clean and disinfect after each use by the sick person. If this is not possible, the caregiver should wait as long as possible before cleaning and disinfecting.
See precautions for household members and caregivers for more information.

Illustration: sick woman in bed with serving tray full of food

Food

Stay separated: The sick person should eat (or be fed) in their room if possible.
Wash dishes and utensils using gloves and hot water: Handle any non-disposable used food service items with gloves and wash with hot water or in a dishwasher.

Clean hands after handling used food service items.

Illustration: gloved hand disposing trash into garbage pale

Trash

Dedicated, lined trash can: If possible, dedicate a lined trash can for the sick person. Use gloves when removing garbage bags, and handling and disposing of trash. Wash hands afterwards.

PREVENTION

Cover your coughs and sneezes

Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined trash can.
Wash hands: Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

washing hands

Clean your hands often

Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
Soap and water: Soap and water are the best option, especially if hands are visibly dirty.
Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Call ahead before visiting your doctor

Call ahead: Many medical visits for routine care are being postponed or done by phone or telemedicine.
If you have a medical appointment that cannot be postponed, call your doctor’s office, and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients.

Clean and disinfect

Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Stay home if you’re sick

Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.