Preventing and Planning for Pandemic Levels of Diseases - Including Influenza and Coronavirus Outbreaks
Be Proactive
Although Texas has not experienced an outbreak of Coronavirus, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that this respiratory illness linked with flu like symptoms (including cough, shortness of breath, and fever) could reach pandemic levels. Therefore, all districts need to start preventing and planning to ensure that our children and staff stay as safe and healthy as possible.
What can districts be doing now?
- Keep buildings clean.
- Pay particular attention to classrooms where students or teacher have been ill and running a fever (using disinfectants).
- Provide proper cleaning supplies for custodial staff.
- Provide proper campus necessities such as Kleenex, appropriate hand cleaning materials, posters for prevention, etc.
- Provide information to District families and the community to prevent the spreading of diseases and illnesses.
- Provide adequate resources to nurses.
- Ensure the district has appropriate checklists and guides for planning for prevention.
- Develop a plan for when the district will close a campus or a district (usually 15-25% absenteeism for students and/or staff).
- Provide appropriate letters to be sent home at various designated times.
- Have the nurse or teachers show posters to all students for prevention and have them teach, model and practice proper procedures.
TXSP Resources for Annual Subscribers
Housed in our Nursing Section under Communicable Diseases, you will find the following resources:
- Protocols to follow for all communicable diseases (including influenza, ebola, and coronavirus)
- Checklists and Guides for preventing and preparing for disease control
- Appropriate letters and notifications to send home under each circumstance
- Postings placed around the building for reminders to help train students and staff on prevention
- A resource section with pamphlets and brochures
Spread the Word
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