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In North Carolina, COVID-19 cases are trending upward.
At the same time, schools across the state have started (or will begin) their new school year.
In March, the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) released updated rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.
“Each year, respiratory viruses are to blame for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States,” the CDC’s website states. “In addition to the virus that causes COVID-19, there are many other types of respiratory viruses, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The good news is that there are steps you can take for yourself and others in the face of the fitness hazards caused by breathing viruses.
In May, the CDC also released updated recommendations on how to prevent the spread of COVID in schools, in accordance with breathing guidelines.
“CDC has updated the steps schools can take to prevent the spread of germs and keep children healthy and learning,” CDC Director Dr. Kelly S. Kelly said at the time. Mandy Cohen. ” This update turns lessons learned into concrete actions that schools can take. “to keep our youth, teachers, and school staff safe. “
Take a look at the updated rules below.
Part of the CDC’s updated guidance includes recommendations on respiratory illness prevention strategies:
“We will have to use the common-sense responses we know they represent to protect ourselves and others from serious illness caused by respiratory viruses; This includes vaccination, treatment, and safety. home when we get sick,” Cohen said.
The new rules offer no express rules on what to do if you are exposed to someone who tests positive for COVID-19 or some other respiratory virus.
However, the CDC lists the following prevention measures on its website in addition to the above:
The CDC recommends “staying home and away from others if you have symptoms of the respiratory virus. “This includes staying away from other people you live with who are not sick.
According to the updated guidelines, you will be able to resume your general activities when, for at least 24 hours, any of the following conditions are met:
However, the CDC recommends “taking extra precautions” over the next five days, adding wearing a well-fitting mask, physical distancing, and testing when around other people indoors. Additional preventative measures include cleaner air and practicing smart hygiene.
“This is especially vital for others with problems that increase their risk of severe illness from breathing in viruses,” the CDC’s online page says. “Keep in mind that you can still spread the virus that gave you poor health, even if you feel better. You’ll probably be less contagious at the time, depending on points like how long you’ve been in poor health or how bad you are.
If your fever increases or you begin to feel worse after resuming general activities, stay home and away from others until, for at least 24 hours, either of the two things is true: your symptoms generally improve and you have had no fever. You have a fever (and are not taking fever medicine). Then take extra precautions for the next five days.
If you have never had symptoms but have been tested for a respiratory virus, the CDC recommends following the same precautionary measures for five days.
“For COVID-19, taking an antigen test can help you know your likelihood of spreading the virus. A positive control means that you can most likely transmit the virus to other people,” the online page states.
You can read the full guidance on the CDC’s online page and answers to questions asked here.
The following rules published through the CDC in May for schools related to prevention and hygiene:
CDC also issued the following recommendations for schools regarding infections:
Basic infection prevention methods are vital methods that schools can use on a daily basis. For other methods, schools, with the help of local fitness departments, deserve to take into account the local context when deciding on methods to prioritize for the implementation of further infectious measures. methods of disease prevention. Schools will need to balance the threat of spreading infectious diseases with educational, social, and intellectual fitness outcomes when deciding on prevention methods. Care will need to be taken to ensure that decisions similar to prevention methods and step-learning features do not disproportionately an organization of other people or exacerbate disparities in fitness and education.
“Schools provide safe and secure living environments, routines, and facilities that support student fitness and well-being,” the CDC’s online page states. “Schools deserve to have plans that can help reduce illness and disease-related absenteeism by preventing the spread of common infections. This guidance is designed to maximize school attendance and benefits for all students while preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
You can read the full guidance for school’s on the CDC’s website, and a fact sheet for parents and guardians here.
Hannah Vinueza McClellan is EducationNC’s Senior Education News, Politics, and Faith Reporter.