Federal and state public health agencies continue to monitor and provide guidance relating to novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). While there has been an increase in cases worldwide, local public health agencies believe that the health risk to the general public in the Bay Area remains low.
The California Department of Public Health has issued this guidance for colleges and universities: “Travelers from mainland China arriving in the United States since February 3, 2020, should stay home from school for 14 days, beginning the day after they left China.” As such, managers are asked to make accommodations for any employees who may fall into this circumstance.
We understand that there may be anxiety among some regarding this virus, and understandably so. However, we remind all faculty, staff and students that ensuring a safe, supportive, and positive district climate reflects our core values and is essential to quality learning and support for every student. In light of the fact that travel restrictions regarding novel coronavirus are focused on mainland China, we urge everyone to avoid behaviors and conversations that may stigmatize students, their families, or members of our district community.
To protect your health and that of others, there are some important and simple steps that all of us can take to help prevent the spread of illnesses, including influenza:
- Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
- Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu and other serious respiratory illnesses are spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands.
- Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose
or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Practice other good health
habits.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
For more information about healthy habits to help prevent the flu, visit the CDC site at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm and for more information regarding coronavirus (COVID-19), visit the California Department of Public Health site at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx.