While there are no reported cases of individuals testing positive for coronavirus in the Episcopal community, new information is shared frequently from the CDC about the virus.
Below are some important reminders for what you should be doing to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Emergency warning signs include: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, and/or bluish lips or face. If you or a family member experience any of the emergency warning signs, dial 911 immediately.
Symptoms of the coronavirus may appear anywhere from 2-14 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
The CDC recommends the following if you are experiencing symptoms:
- Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
- Stay in touch with your doctor: Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you feel worse or you think it is an emergency.
- Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Separate yourself from other people in your home. This is known as home isolation.
- Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific “sick room” and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.
- Limit contact with pets & animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people.
- Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people with the virus limit contact with animals until more information is known.
- When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick with COVID-19. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.
Per the CDC, if you think you may have COVID-19, you may return to school or work when:
- No fever for at least 72 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medicine)
- Symptoms have improved
- At least seven days have passed since your symptoms first appeared
The World Health Organization has started advertising "The Five". This is very helpful information for your students.
DO THE FIVE
Help stop coronavirus
- HANDS Wash them often
- ELBOW Cough into it
- FACE Don't touch it
- SPACE Keep safe distance
- HOME Stay if you can
I hope that everyone is properly self-distancing. It is the most important thing we can do so that we can all be together again!
Stay well,
Tonya Carter, RN, BSN
School Nurse