Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is virus that causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever and in more severe cases, pneumonia. The new coronavirus spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. You can protect yourself by washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face. The following precautionary measures should also be taken:

• Avoid touching the nose, mouth, and eyes.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve, not your hands.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.

• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Avoid contact with people who are sick.

• Pick up your child within 30 minutes if your school nurse calls to report your child is sick.

• Any student who presents symptoms of concern will be sent home.

• Plan for someone to pick up your child if you are unable to do so within 30 minutes.

• Report to the school if you plan to travel overseas over the next several months.