Resources for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019 nCoV)

 

Background

As you may know, China is experiencing an expanding outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). This virus emerged in Hubei Province, China in December 2019. The virus is spreading from person-to-person, and cases have been detected in several countries internationally and the United States.
Currently, the immediate risk to the general public in Nevada and the United States is low. There is no evidence that 2019-nCoV is spreading in Nevada.
As new information emerges, please remind your community that the risk of novel coronavirus is not at all connected with race, ethnicity or nationality. Stigma will not help to fight the illness. Sharing accurate information during a time of heightened concern is one of the best things we can do to keep rumors and misinformation from spreading.

What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. They usually cause mild respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold. Some coronaviruses have caused more severe illness, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). 2019-nCoV is a new coronavirus that had not been seen in humans before December 2019.
Who is at risk for 2019-nCoV?
At this time, most people in Nevada are not considered at risk for 2019-nCoV infection and do not need to seek medical evaluation for the virus.
How is the novel coronavirus infection spread?
Experts believe that the 2019-nCoV primarily spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Droplets from a cough or sneeze can travel up to about six feet. Another person can become infected if these droplets enter their mouth, nose, or eyes directly or through their contaminated hands. An infected person who coughs or sneezes into their hands and touches surfaces such as phones, tables, door handles, or toys can contaminate them. While some coronaviruses can be spread to others through contaminated surfaces, coronaviruses generally do not survive on surfaces for a prolonged period of time. It takes 2 to 14 days after a person gets the virus in their body to become ill. 

 

Should all children returning from China stay home from school for 14 days?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all travelers from China (including school students, staff and volunteers) arriving in the U.S. AFTER February 2, 2020 at 2 p.m. stay at home, away from others, and monitor their health for 14 days. This measure was put in place because of the increasing number of cases of 2019-nCoV in China.
There is no recommendation for people without symptoms arriving before this time to restrict their activities. All travelers from China arriving BEFORE February 2, 2020 at 2 p.m. can continue to attend school and should take the following steps:
• Watch for any changes in your health for 14 days after leaving China.
• If you get a fever or develop a cough or difficulty breathing during this 14-day period, avoid contact with others. Call your doctor or healthcare provider to tell them about your symptoms and your recent travel.

What can I do to prevent 2019-nCoV infections in my school?
Schools do not need to take any special precautions beyond what is normally recommended to prevent the spread of germs in schools. You can help students and staff reduce their risk for getting and spreading viral respiratory infections, including the flu and the common cold, by following the simple steps below. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home while sick and avoid close contact with others.
• Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash

 

 

Where can I turn for more information?
• Nevada’s Response to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus  http://dpbh.nv.gov/coronavirus/  
• 2019 Novel Coronavirus, Wuhan, China (CDC)  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html  
• Guidance for Travelers (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

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**Health Services does not encourage the use of face masks for students, except for immunosuppressed students who have a note from their LHCP.   The Southern Nevada Health District and CDC also posted additional information on their websites ( www.snhd.info/coronavirus   ). 

 

**Information retrieved from Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Memo- School Nurse and Administrator Resources- 2-14-2020