CDC Readiness and Planning Tool to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in K-12 School

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Checklist tool now available @ CDC website. Nothing in tool checklist about having PPE for school nurse; does recommend cloth face coverings, no-touch/foot pedal trash cans, no-touch soap/hand sanitizer dispensers.

CDC Readiness and Planning Tool to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in K-12 School

https://www.CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community/School-Admin-K12-readiness-and-planning-tool.pdf

Main document has considerations for Preparing for When Someone Gets Sick

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Schools may consider implementing several strategies to prepare for when someone gets sick.

Advise Staff and Families of Sick Students of Home Isolation Criteria

Sick staff members or students should not return until they have met CDC’s criteria to discontinue home isolation.

Isolate and Transport Those Who are Sick

Make sure that staff and families know that they (staff) or their children (families) should not come to school, and that they should notify school officials (e.g., the designated COVID-19 point of contact) if they (staff) or their child (families) become sick with COVID-19 symptoms, test positive for COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 symptoms or a confirmed or suspected case.

Immediately separate staff and children with COVID-19 symptoms (such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath) at school. Individuals who are sick should go home or to a healthcare facility depending on how severe their symptoms are, and follow CDC guidance for caring for oneself and others who are sick.

Work with school administrators, nurses, and other healthcare providers to identify an isolation room or area to separate anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or tests positive but does not have symptoms. School nurses and other healthcare providers should use Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions when caring for sick people. See: What Healthcare Personnel Should Know About Caring for Patients with Confirmed or Possible COVID-19 Infection.

Establish procedures for safely transporting anyone who is sick to their home or to a healthcare facility. If you are calling an ambulance or bringing someone to the hospital, try to call first to alert them that the person may have COVID-19.

Clean and Disinfect

Close off areas used by a sick person and do not use these areas until after cleaning and disinfecting

Wait at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting. If 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible. Ensure safe and correct use and storage of cleaning and disinfection productsexternal icon, including storing products securely away from children.

https://www.CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools.html