Coronavirus

Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)

NBTSchools

March 12, 2020

The latest challenge that we are facing together, Coronavirus (COVID-19), has been a source of constant trepidation due to the uncertainty surrounding this communicable virus. The district is continuing to monitor the latest news and information from the World Health Organization (WHO), Center of Disease Control (CDC), State, County and Local Health Officials including the recent State of Emergency proclamation from Governor Murphy.

Visit this page frequently for updates in regards to COVID -19 and review the resources/communications linked below.


What is Pandemic? A “pandemic” is a disease that spreads all over the world and affects a large number of people. If you are caring for a loved one during a pandemic, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and others. Always follow the most current advice of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and your local Health Department. 


Prevention:

These healthy habits will help keep you and others from getting and passing on the virus:

  • Clean your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and clean your hands afterward. Put used tissues in a wastebasket. 

  • Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissue. 

  • Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth to prevent germs from entering your body. Also, a person with signs of the virus should stay home from work, school and errands and avoid contact with others. 

  • Disinfectant: 1 gallon water, 1⁄4 cup bleach, Mix up a fresh batch every time you use it. 

  • OBTAIN A FLU SHOT.

To limit the spread of germs and prevent infection:

  • Teach your children to wash hands frequently with soap and water and model the correct behavior.

  • Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues and be sure to model that behavior.

  • Teach your children to stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick.

  • Stay home from work and school if sick.

Caregivers should always wash their hands before providing care. Afterward, wash again and apply alcohol-based hand sanitizer as well. Follow these steps for proper hand hygiene: 

  • Wet hands with warm, running water and apply liquid soap. 

  • Rub hands vigorously for 20 seconds, covering all surfaces and fingers. 

  • Scrub nails by rubbing them against the palms of your hands. 

  • Rinse your hands with water. 

  • Dry your hands thoroughly with a paper towel and use it to turn off the faucet. A shared towel will spread germs.

Preparation:

You can prepare for a pandemic now. You should know both the magnitude of what can happen during a pandemic outbreak and what actions you can take to help lessen the impact of an influenza pandemic on you and your family. This checklist will help you gather the information and resources you may need in case of a flu pandemic.

Plan for an extended stay at home during a flu pandemic. 

  • Ask your employer about how business will continue during a pandemic.

  • Ask your employer if you can work from home during a flu pandemic. 

  • Plan for a possible reduction or loss of income, if you are unable to work or your place of employment is closed. 

  • Check with your employer or union about leave policies. 

  • Plan home learning activities and exercises. Have materials, such as books, on hand. 

  • Plan recreational activities that your children can do at home. 

Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home:  During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters.


  • Non-perishable foods
    • Ready to eat canned meats,fruits, vegetables, soups 
    • Protein or fruit bars ~Soap and water or alcohol based hand wash 
    • Dry cereal or granola 
    • Peanut butter and jelly 
    • Dried fruit, nuts, trail mix 
    • Crackers
    • Canned juices
    • Bottled water
    • Canned or jarred baby food
    • Baby formula
    • Pet food 
  • Health and emergency supplies


    • Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring
    • Soap and water or alcohol based hand wash
    • Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen (aspirin) or ibuprofen (Motrin)
    • Thermometer
    • Antidiarrheal medications
    • Vitamins
    • Fluids with electrolytes, such as Pedialyte®
    • Flashlight with extra batteries
    • Manual can opener
    • Garbage bags
    • Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers

To plan for a pandemic:

  • Ask your doctor and insurance company if you can get an extra supply of your regular prescription drugs.

  • Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.

  • Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.

  • Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for a pandemic.

Cold Symptoms

Flu Symptoms

COVID-19 Symptoms

Stuffy nose

Fever

Fever

Sneezing

Headache

Cough

Sore throat

Often and severe aches

Shortness of breath

Mild to moderate chest discomfort/cough 

Extreme exhaustion

*Be mindful of recent travel or contact with people who recently traveled.

Stuffy nose

Sneezing

Sore throat

Communication:

The CSA will provide updates and the latest research information to staff, students, and parents via TV15, the district website, and district electronic systems 

For more information, call your healthcare provider or visit the CDCs 2019 Novel Coronavirus Situation Summary at:

 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html


Reactions to Stress:

Managing Fears and Anxiety around Coronavirus 

As information about Coronavirus unfolds, there can be a wide range of thoughts, feelings and reactions. Below is some helpful information. 

Common Reactions:   Please recognize that there can be a wide range of reactions and that over the next few days or weeks you may experience periods of: 

• Difficulty concentrating and sleeping

• Anger

• Hyper-vigilance to your health and body

• Anxiety, worry, panic 

• Feeling helplessness

• Social withdrawal 


Ways to Manage Fears & Anxieties:

• Get the facts. Stay informed. For further information, see the dedicated CDC website.  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html

• Keep things in perspective. Limit worry and agitation by lessening the time you spend watching or listening to upsetting media coverage. Although you'll want to keep informed — especially if you have loved ones in affected countries — remember to take a break from watching the news and focus on the things that are positive in your life and things you have control over. 

• Be mindful of your assumptions about others. Someone who has a cough or a fever does not necessarily have coronavirus. Self-awareness is important in not stigmatizing others in our community. 

• Stay healthy. Adopting healthy hygienic habits such as washing your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, frequently, and certainly after sneezing or before/after touching your face or a sick person. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Avoid contact with others who are sick and stay home while sick.

• Keep connected. Maintaining social networks can help maintain a sense of normalcy, and provide valuable outlets for sharing feelings and relieving stress. 

• Seek additional help. Individuals who feel an overwhelming worry or anxiety can seek additional professional mental health support.  You may call your school counselor (who will be available as usual when school is open and via phone and email if school is closed).