COVID-19 Information

Resources

Information page from the CDC regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Maine Department of Education - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for Schools

Information from the CDC on talking with children about the coronavirus - developed by the National Association of School Nurses and the National Association of School Psychologists 

Coping with COVID - Tips for Families, Adults and Children

Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19)

What is Known:

• The virus causing COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified and causes a respiratory illness ranging from a mild cold-like illness to severe pneumonia.

• Most (81%) people diagnosed with COVID-19 in China had mild disease, including most children.

• Similar to influenza, the people who are most likely to have severe disease and complications from COVID-19 are older individuals (>60 years old) and those with other medical conditions like heart and lung disease or diabetes.

• There is no vaccine or treatment currently available for COVID-19 but the National Institutes of Health is evaluating treatments and working to develop a vaccine.

How The Virus Spreads:

• COVID-19 is believed to spread primarily the same way the common cold or flu spreads—through respiratory droplets that are produced when someone coughs or sneezes.

• People who are most at risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 are those who have been in close contact ( within about 6 feet ) with someone who has the disease.

• People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (t he sickest ).

• Some spread of the virus might be possible before a person has symptoms; there have been reports of this with COVID-19, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

What You Can Do Now:

• Keep children home when they are sick.

• Students ( and parents/guardians ) who are ill, especially with acute respiratory symptoms ( not allergies or chronic conditions ) and/or a fever, should stay home.

• Teach your children to always cover their cough and sneezes with a tissue or inside their elbow.

• Remind them to wash their hands with soap and water ( or use hand sanitizer ) after they touch their face, use the restroom and before they eat.

• Tell children to avoid touching their mouth and nose since that is how germs get into the body.

• Inform the school if your child is going to be absent. Please know that our office staff will be inquiring about what symptoms are occurring as our intent is to monitor trends.

• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects ( everyday household disinfectants are fine ).

• Enhance cleaning of high touch surfaces like door knobs, toilet handles, and sink handles.

• Plan for when community spread occurs.

• Ensure you have a plan to designate a caregiver, such as a family member or neighbor, for a sick child(ren) if you can’t stay home.

• Know your child’s school’s plan to communicate with you when needed, such as robocalls, email or checking their website.