As the coronavirus epidemic grows, numerous schools across America are now preparing for the virus outbreak. Currently, there are millions of students in Italy, South Korean, China, Japan, Mongolia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq that had to postpone their school opening in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
In America, there are more than 100 people who have been tested positive of the virus and they were found in 15 different states. The U.S government is now preparing to suspend classes in the Northwest, including at Jackson High School in Washington where a student was tested positive for the virus.
In Oregon, an elementary will also be shut down for cleaning after one of its employees was tested positive of the virus. In Seattle, Bothell High School closed down for cleaning when a relative of one of their staff was tested for the virus, and even though the result was negative, the officials in Seattle still proceeded with disinfecting the whole school.
These shutdowns are just the beginning, as more and more people are contracting the virus in America. Numerous communities across the country are preparing for the possibility of the virus hitting their state.
School prevention against coronavirus
Schools across the country are now making prevention plans with their state health departments and local health departments. They are seeking advice on what to do next as the outbreak goes on and they also share best practices for coronavirus prevention.
According to Donna Mazyck, the executive director of the National Association of School Nurses, the coronavirus came at the time that health professionals are already dealing with the flu season. Because of this, schools and nurses all across America are already spreading awareness and prevention.
The preventive methods against coronavirus are simple and it includes the basics like washing your hands several times a day, covering your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze, staying indoors when you are sick and not touching areas and surfaces that are contaminated.
Health professionals also warn students and teachers about touching their noses, eyes, and mouths because they can spread germs. Surfaces of schools are also being disinfected, especially desktops, chairs, lockers, and doorknobs.
Mazyck also said that communication is important between health professionals and students and their families. School nurses can also help alleviate the unnecessary anxiety that the public is now feeling. It is also important for students and their families to know the facts about the virus.
Coronavirus prevention at home
The WHO or the World Health Organization stated that masks should only be worn by those who are sick because it does nothing to protect you from the virus. The best way to combat the virus is to make sure that your hands are clean, and that you wash it several times a day with soap and water. It is also important that you minimize contact with anyone outside your family. Shaking hands and hugging is temporarily discouraged. If you need to cough and sneeze, do with on your arm and not your hand.
If you have fever, cough, suffering from shortness of breath or if you have difficulty breathing, get checked by your doctor right away.
