2021-22COVID-19: School Staff

Training 101

Brookfield Public Schools

Health ServicesBeth O’Connor, BSN, RN

Novel Coronavirus● The novel coronavirus is a

new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that had not previously been identified

● Infection with this virus causes the illness coronavirus disease 2019, now referred to as COVID-19.

HOW THE VIRUS IS SPREADCOVID-19 is spread in three main ways:

● Breathing in air when close to an infected person who is exhaling small droplets and particles that contain the virus.

● Having these small droplets and particles that contain virus land on the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially through splashes and sprays like a cough or sneeze.

● Touching eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus on them.

Anyone infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they do NOT have symptoms.

The Delta Variant

● It is more contagious● Some data suggest the Delta variant

might cause more severe illness than previous strains in unvaccinated persons

● The greatest risk of transmission is among unvaccinated people

● Fully vaccinated people with Delta variant breakthrough infections can spread the virus to others. However, vaccinated people appear to be infectious for a shorter period.

SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19

COVID-19 has a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms may be mild (or even no symptoms) or cause severe illness. Symptoms appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

● Fever or chills● Cough● Shortness of breath or

difficulty breathing● Fatigue● Muscle or body aches● Headache

● NEW loss of taste or smell● Sore throat● Congestion or runny nose● Nausea or vomiting● Diarrhea

*This list is continually being updated by the CDC and does not include all possible symptoms

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS● Get vaccinated● Wash your hands often● Avoid close contact (< 6 feet)● Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face mask or

disposable mask when indoors● Cover your cough and sneezes● Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes● Monitor your health daily● Clean high touch surfaces daily● STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK

HAND WASHING

● Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Wash all surfaces including between fingers, under fingernails and wrists.

● If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces and rub hands together until dry

*This video does not contain audio/sound

AVOID CLOSE CONTACT

● Stay 6 feet from people that are not your household members

WEAR A MASK

● A mask is meant to protect other people in case you are infected

● It needs to cover your mouth and nose● The mask is NOT a substitute for social

distancing ● Masks should not be placed on children

less than 2 years old, or anyone unconscious, incapacitated, has trouble breathing or is unable to remove the mask without assistance.

YES

NO

Yes!

Um, no!

BASIC CARE OF YOUR CLOTH FACE COVERING

● Wash your mask after every use and remove it if it becomes soiled

● Wash in warm/hot water and hot dryer or air dry in the sun

● Do not spray your mask with disinfectants or harsh chemicals

● Discard your mask if it is damaged

Do NOT use these types of face masks:

● A knitted or crocheted face mask. It is not made of tightly woven fabric.

● A face mask with a valve. The expiration valve allows unfiltered air and droplets to be expelled through the valve.

● One layer fabric gaiter masks. Material is not thick enough.

*Tip: If you can blow out a candle while wearing your mask- the fabric is not thick enough to prevent respiratory droplets from getting through.

Some staff will need to wear more than a cloth face covering in certain situations. ● If a student is not wearing a cloth

face covering and social distancing cannot be maintained, increased protective equipment is needed.

● In the isolation room when monitoring students awaiting pick up, increased protective equipment is needed.

Increased protective equipment may include:● A face shield- this can be cleaned and disinfected

and used multiple times until damaged● A surgical/medical-grade mask● A disposable gown● Disposable gloves

COVER YOUR COUGHS AND SNEEZES

● Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.

● Throw your tissues in the trash can

● Do not spit● Wash your hands with soap

and water or use hand sanitizer

AVOID TOUCHING YOUR MOUTH, NOSE AND EYES

CLEAN AND DISINFECT SURFACES

The virus that causes COVID-19 can land on surfaces. It’s possible for people to become infected if they touch those surfaces and then touch their nose, mouth, or eyes. In most situations, the risk of infection from touching a surface is low.

● Routine daily cleaning with soap/detergent and water

● Regularly wash hands or use hand sanitizer● Disinfection is used in certain areas (ie nurse’s

office, bathrooms, isolation room, or where there is increased risk of infection)

MONITOR YOUR HEALTH DAILY

● Be alert for symptoms● Follow the CDC’s guidance if

symptoms develop and contact your medical provider.

● Notify your school nurse if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or have had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. ● Close contact is defined by the

CDC as any individual within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes.

STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK!STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK!STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK!

Emotional Health:During this time of COVID-19 it is natural to feel stress, anxiety and worry. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations.

Take charge of your emotional health:● Take care of your body● Maintain healthy relationships● Take breaks● Stay informed● Avoid too much exposure to the news media● Seek help when needed

CDC: Taking care of your emotional health:https://emergency.cdc.gov/coping/selfcare.asp

Brookfield Employee Assistance Program:Toll free: 866-342-6892https://www.liveandworkwell.com/?pin=Brookfield

A FINAL REMINDER:

PLEASE COMPLETE THE STAFF TRAINING VERIFICATION FORM!

RESOURCES:

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV

Ct Department of Public Health www.ct.gov/coronavirus

CT Department of Education CT Reopening https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/COVID19/COVID-19-Resources-for-Families-and-Educators