Keeping kids safe in school this fall amid COVID-19 concerns

The decision to return to in-person learning this school year may be difficult as families weigh a variety of factors, including personal health concerns, work situations and students’ needs. For students that do return to inperson learning, there are ways to minimize the risk of spreading the virus.

Avoid Disease Transmission

To protect themselves and others, it’s important for parents, caregivers and guardians to have an ageappropriate conversation with their student about how to help prevent diseases from spreading, specifically COVID-19. Consider including the following points:

• Always wear a face covering and make sure it covers both your nose and mouth.

• Be aware of high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches and hand railings — and avoid touching them, if possible.

• Don’t share items with other students.

• Don’t touch the face including the nose, mouth or eyes.

• Follow good cough and sneeze etiquette; use the inside of the elbow to cover the cough or sneeze.

• Frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Keep a personal, alcohol- based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol handy.

• Stay at least 6 feet or more away from others.

Keep Personal Belongings and Living Areas Clean

Establishing daily routines focused on COVID-19 prevention for before and after school can help keep students and their home environments clean and organized. Basic measures include:

• After returning from school, have students immediately wash their hands.

• Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces daily in the home.

• Pack a personal water bottle.

• Pack hand sanitizer.

• Pack multiple face masks labeled with the student’s name stored in a reusable container.

• Practice putting on and taking off masks without touching the cloth.

• Stay up to date on any notices fromschool or community organizations regarding COVID-19 outbreaks.

• Wash reusable face masks after each day.

Participate in Prevention

By following the prevention behaviors outlined by experts, students and families can help keep their schools and homes safe. That means focusing on personal health:

If a student has a temperature of 99.9 F/37.8 C or higher, they should not go to school

If a student has been exposed to a COVID-19 case, they shouldnot go to school

Make sure students are up to date on recommended vaccines, including the seasonal flu vaccine

Monitor students for symptoms including fever, sore throat, cough, diarrhea, severe headache, shortness of breath or body aches

Understand the Big Picture

It’s important to remember that this is a stressful time for everyone. Prioritize self- care and emotional well- being by building fun activities into daily and weekly routines. Be sure to take breaks, stay active, get enough sleep and eat healthy meals.

Dr. T. Jann CaisonSorey, M. D., is a senior medical director with Senior Health Services, Emergent Holdings. Emergent Holdings is a separate entity contracted by Blue

Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to perform administrative services for Blue Cross’ Medicare Advantage program. For more health tips, visit Ahealthiermichigan.org.