Contagious Disease Prevention and Control Message

COVID-19 and other Contagious Disease Prevention Policy 

The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and the virus has now spread to many countries and territories. While a lot is still unknown about the virus that causes COVID-19, we do know that it is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing) Individuals can also be infected from touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and touching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth).

The protection of children and educational facilities is particularly important. Precautions are necessary to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 in school settings; however, care must also be taken to avoid stigmatizing students and staff who may have been exposed to the virus. It is important to remember that COVID-19 does not differentiate between borders, ethnicities, disability status, age or gender.

COVID-19 is a new virus and we are still learning about how it affects children. We know it is possible for people of any age to be infected with the virus, but so far there have been relatively few cases of COVID-19 reported among children. The virus can be fatal in cases, so far mainly among older people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Know the latest facts
Understand basic information about coronavirus disease (COVID-19), including its symptoms, complications, how it is transmitted and how to prevent transmission. Stay informed about COVID-19 through reputable sources such as UNICEF and WHO and national health ministry advisories. Be aware of fake information/myths that may circulate by word-of-mouth or online.

How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing). Individuals can also be infected from and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and touching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth). The COVID-19 virus may survive on surfaces for several hours, but simple disinfectants can kill it.

What is the treatment for COVID-19?
There is no currently available vaccine for COVID-19. However, many of the symptoms can be treated and getting early care from a healthcare provider can make the disease less dangerous. There are several clinical trials that are being conducted to evaluate potential therapeutics for COVID-19.

How can the spread of COVID-19 be slowed down or prevented?
As with other respiratory infections like the flu or the common cold, public health measures are critical to slow the spread of illnesses. Public health measures are everyday preventive actions that include:

  • staying home when sick;
  • covering mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissue immediately;
  • washing hands often with soap and water; and
  • cleaning frequently touched surfaces and objects.
  • As we learn more about COVID-19 public health officials may recommend additional actions.

 

I-Scholars International Academy follows the following basic principles to keep students, teachers, and its entire staff safe at school and help stop the spread of this disease.

  • We recommend that sick students, teachers, and other staff do not come to school.
  • We enforce regular hand washing with safe water and soap, alcohol rub/hand sanitizer or chlorine solution and, at a minimum, daily disinfection and cleaning of school surfaces.
  • We provide water, sanitation, and waste management facilities and follow environmental cleaning and decontamination procedures.
  • During these periods we promote social distancing (a term applied to certain actions that are taken to slow down the spread of a highly contagious disease, including limiting large groups of people coming together).

Implement social distancing practices that may include:

  • We avoid Students Staggering the beginning and end of the school day.
  • We have Canceled assemblies, sports games and other events that create crowded conditions.
  • We have created spaces for Students’ desks to be at least one meter apart.
  • Teach and model creating space and avoiding unnecessary touching.

We have established procedures in case students or staff become unwell
We have planned ahead with local health authorities, school health staff and updated emergency contact lists. We ensure we separate sick students and staff from those who are well – without creating stigma – while informing parents/caregivers, and consulting with health care providers/health authorities wherever possible.