Derry Township School District Athletic Department Health and Safety Plan The COVID-19 pandemic has presented athletics across the world with a myriad of challenges. The COVID-19 virus is a highly contagious illness that primarily attacks the upper respiratory system. The virus that causes COVID-19 can infect people of all ages. Research from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), among others, has found that while children do get infected by COVID-19, relatively few children with COVID-19 are hospitalized. However, some severe outcomes have been reported in children, and a child with a mild or even asymptomatic case of COVID-19 can spread the infection to others who may be far more vulnerable. While it is not possible to eliminate all risk of furthering the spread of COVID-19, the current science suggests there are many steps schools can take to reduce the risks to students, coaches, and their families. The Derry Township School District (DTSD) shall take the necessary precautions and recommendations from the federal, state, and local governments, CDC, Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH), as well as the National Federation of State High School Associations (NHFS) and Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association (PIAA). DTSD realizes the knowledge and recommendations regarding COVID-19 is constantly changing as new information and treatments become available. These recommendations set forth in this document will be adjusted as needed as new information becomes available in order to decrease the risk of exposure for our coaches, staff, athletes, and spectators. RED PHASE • No sports or athletic activities allowed. YELLOW PHASE Education • Coaches shall review the CDC guidance on consideration for youth sports to modify practices and games to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus. This includes focusing on individual skill building versus competition and limiting contact in close contact sports. • The athletic director shall develop a plan of action in the event an athlete, coach, or official falls ill, make the plan publicly available, and explain it to the entire sport community. • The athletic director shall educate all athletes, staff and families about the symptoms of COVID-19 and when to stay home. Athletes also will be educated on proper hand washing and sanitizing. • Coaches shall promote, teach and reinforce handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. • Athletes shall be encouraged to shower and wash their workout clothing immediately upon returning to home. • The athletic director shall regularly communicate and monitor developments with local authorities, employees and families regarding cases, exposures and updates to policies and procedures. DocuSign Envelope ID: 9992591C-8027-4AD0-8629-0A0CED70554A
Transcript
Derry Township School District Athletic Department
Health and Safety Plan
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented athletics across the world with a myriad of challenges. The COVID-19 virus is a highly contagious illness that primarily attacks the upper respiratory system. The virus that causes COVID-19 can infect people of all ages. Research from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), among others, has found that while children do get infected by COVID-19, relatively few children with COVID-19 are hospitalized. However, some severe outcomes have been reported in children, and a child with a mild or even asymptomatic case of COVID-19 can spread the infection to others who may be far more vulnerable. While it is not possible to eliminate all risk of furthering the spread of COVID-19, the current science suggests there are many steps schools can take to reduce the risks to students, coaches, and their families.
The Derry Township School District (DTSD) shall take the necessary precautions and recommendations from the federal, state, and local governments, CDC, Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH), as well as the National Federation of State High School Associations (NHFS) and Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association (PIAA). DTSD realizes the knowledge and recommendations regarding COVID-19 is constantly changing as new information and treatments become available. These recommendations set forth in this document will be adjusted as needed as new information becomes available in order to decrease the risk of exposure for our coaches, staff, athletes, and spectators.
RED PHASE
• No sports or athletic activities allowed.
YELLOW PHASE
Education • Coaches shall review the CDC guidance on consideration for youth sports to modify practices and games to
mitigate the risk of spreading the virus. This includes focusing on individual skill building versuscompetition and limiting contact in close contact sports.
• The athletic director shall develop a plan of action in the event an athlete, coach, or official falls ill, makethe plan publicly available, and explain it to the entire sport community.
• The athletic director shall educate all athletes, staff and families about the symptoms of COVID-19 andwhen to stay home. Athletes also will be educated on proper hand washing and sanitizing.
• Coaches shall promote, teach and reinforce handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.• Athletes shall be encouraged to shower and wash their workout clothing immediately upon returning to
home.• The athletic director shall regularly communicate and monitor developments with local authorities,
employees and families regarding cases, exposures and updates to policies and procedures.
Requirements to Conduct In-Person Games and Practices • Coaches and athletic personnel shall screen and monitor athletes for symptoms prior to and during games
and practices. If individuals participating in sporting activities show symptoms, have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, or are sick, they shall be sent home.
• Responses to screening questions for each person should be recorded and stored so that there is a record of everyone present in case a coach, staff member or athlete develops COVID-19.
• Coaches and other adult personnel shall wear face coverings (masks or face shields) at all times, unless doing so jeopardizes their health.
• Coaches, staff and athletes shall maintain appropriate social distancing at all times possible, including in the field of play, locker rooms, sidelines, dugouts, benches, and workout areas. During down time, athletes and coaches shall not congregate.
• All coaches, staff, athletes, and officials must bring their own water and drinks to team activities. Team water coolers for sharing through disposable cups shall not be allowed. Fixed water fountains shall not be used.
• Hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol shall be made available for athletes, coaches, staff and officials.
• Activities that increase the risk of exposure to saliva must shall not be allowed. This includes but not limited to chewing gum, spitting, licking fingers, and eating sunflower seeds.
• All coaches, staff and athletes shall avoid shaking hands, fist bumps, or high fives before, during or after games and practices.
• All coaches, staff and athletes shall not share towels, clothing, or other items they use to wash their face and hands.
• All participants shall limit unnecessary physical contact with teammates, other athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators.
Physical Activity and Athletic Equipment: • Lower risk sports practices and competitions may resume. • Modified practices may begin for moderate risk sports. • There shall be no shared athletic towels, clothing or shoes between athletes • Athletes should wear their own appropriate workout clothing (do not share clothing), and individual
clothing/towels should be washed and cleaned after every workout. • All athletic equipment, including balls, should be cleaned intermittently during practices and contests. • Athletic equipment such as bats, batting helmets and catchers gear should be cleaned between each use. • Appropriate clothing/shoes should be worn at all times in the weight room to minimize sweat from
transmitting onto equipment/surfaces. • Maximum lifts should be limited and power cages should be used for squats and bench presses. Spotters
should stand at each end of the bar. Cleaning and Disinfecting • The athletic director and the director of buildings and grounds shall develop a schedule for increased,
routine cleaning and disinfection. The schedule shall include at minimum the cleaning of facilities prior to arrival and post workouts and team gatherings. High touch areas shall be cleaned more often.
• The district shall clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on the field, court, or play surface (e.g., drinking fountains) at least daily, or between uses as much as possible.
• Use of shared objects and equipment (e.g., balls, bats, gymnastics equipment) shall be limited, or cleaned between use by each individual if possible.
• The director of buildings and grounds shall ensure safe and correct use and storage of disinfectants, including storing products securely away from children. The district shall use products that meet EPA disinfection criteria.
• The athletic director shall identify an adult staff member or volunteer to ensure proper cleaning and disinfection of objects and equipment, particularly for any shared equipment or frequently touched surfaces.
• Cleaning products should not be used near children, and staff should ensure that there is adequate ventilation when using these products to prevent children or themselves from inhaling toxic fumes.
• Weight room equipment shall be wiped down thoroughly before and after in individual’s use of equipment. • Any equipment such as weight benches, athletic pads, etc. having holes with exposed foam should be
covered. • Clothing/towels (including pinnies) shall be washed after each practice. • Coaches and staff shall use gloves when removing garbage bags or handling and disposing of trash. Coaches
and staff shall wash their hands after removing gloves. Facilities • DTSD has multiple athletic fields on campus. Therefore, simultaneous games or practices on campus can be
held only if social distancing can be maintained. • If multiple games are held on campus, adequate time shall be scheduled between contests to allow for
facilities to be cleaned and disinfected, and to minimize interaction between athletes. • Each individual game or practice shall adhere to the gathering occupancy limits (25) and the facility as a
whole shall not exceed 50% of total occupancy otherwise permitted by law. This includes athletes, coaches, staff and spectators.
• Concession stands shall be closed. Caregivers and Spectators • Seating areas, including bleachers, shall adhere to social distancing requirements of at least 6 feet of spacing
for anyone not in the same household. To assist with proper social distancing, areas shall be clearly marked. Adults should wear face coverings (masks or face shields) at all times.
• Caregivers or spectators shall not enter the field of play or bench areas. • Nonessential visitors, spectators, and volunteers shall be limited when possible, including activities with
external groups or organizations. • Parents shall refrain from attending practices, or volunteering to assist with coaching. • Caregivers and coaches should assess levels of risk based on individual athletes on the team who may be at
a higher risk for severe illness. • Caregivers shall monitor their children for symptoms prior to any sporting event. Children and athletes who
are sick or showing symptoms must stay home. Events/Competitions • Individuals attending events/competitions shall be grouped into three categories ranging from essential to
non-essential. o Essential – Athletes, coaches, officials, event staff, medical staff, security o Preferred – Media o Non-essential – Spectators and vendors
• Only essential and preferred personnel shall be allowed to attend events/competitions until state/local governments lift restrictions on mass gatherings.
• Changes to seating capacity and social distancing may be necessary for each venue/field and shall be determined as more recommendations are released by local/state governments.
Point of Contact • The district’s athletic director shall be the primary point of contact for all questions related to COVID-19,
and all parents, athletes, officials, and coaches will be provided with that athletic director’s contact information.
Scott Govern Athletic Director Derry Township School District [email protected] phone: 717.534.2501 ext. 2277
GREEN PHASE Education • Coaches shall review the CDC guidance on consideration for youth sports to modify practices and games to
mitigate the risk of spreading the virus. This includes focusing on individual skill building versus competition and limiting contact in close contact sports.
• The athletic director shall develop a plan of action in the event an athlete, coach, or official falls ill, make the plan publicly available, and explain it to the entire sport community.
• The athletic director shall educate all athletes, staff and families about the symptoms of COVID-19 and when to stay home. Athletes also will be educated on proper hand washing and sanitizing.
• The athletic director shall educate all athletes, staff and families on the content of this Return to Sport Guidelines document.
• Coaches shall promote, teach and reinforce handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. • Athletes shall be encouraged to shower and wash their workout clothing immediately upon returning to
home. • The athletic director shall regularly communicate and monitor developments with local authorities,
employees and families regarding cases, exposures and updates to policies and procedures. Requirements to Conduct In-Person Games and Practices • Coaches and athletic personnel shall screen and monitor athletes for symptoms prior to and during games
and practices. If individuals participating in sporting activities show symptoms, have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, or are sick, they shall be sent home.
• Responses to screening questions for each person should be recorded and stored so that there is a record of everyone present in case a coach, staff member or athlete develops COVID-19.
• Coaches and other adult personnel shall wear face coverings (masks or face shields) at all times, unless doing so jeopardizes their health.
• Coaches, staff and athletes shall maintain appropriate social distancing at all times possible, including in the field of play, locker rooms, sidelines, dugouts, benches, and workout areas. During down time, athletes and coaches shall not congregate.
• Athletes should remain with their assigned groups during each workout to limit the number of people they come in contact with.
• All coaches, staff, athletes, and officials must bring their own water and drinks to team activities. Team water coolers for sharing through disposable cups shall not be allowed. Fixed water fountains shall not be used.
• Athletes should wear their own appropriate workout clothing (clothing shall not be shared).
• Athletes should come dressed for each practice, activity or game. • Hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol shall be made available for athletes, coaches, staff and
officials. • Activities that increase the risk of exposure to saliva must shall not be allowed. This includes but not limited
to chewing gum, spitting, licking fingers, and eating sunflower seeds. • All coaches, staff and athletes shall avoid shaking hands, fist bumps, or high fives before, during or after
games and practices. • All coaches, staff and athletes shall not share towels, clothing, or other items they use to wash their face and
hands. • All participants shall limit unnecessary physical contact with teammates, other athletes, coaches, officials,
and spectators. • Whenever possible, equipment and other personal items shall be separated and not shared. If equipment
must be shared, all equipment shall be properly disinfected between users. Physical Activity and Athletic Equipment: • Moderate risk sports practices and competitions may resume. • Modified practices may begin for high risk sports. • There shall be no shared athletic towels, clothing or shoes between athletes • Athletes should wear their own appropriate workout clothing (do not share clothing), and individual
clothing/towels should be washed and cleaned after every workout. • All athletic equipment, including balls, should be cleaned intermittently during practices and contests. • Athletic equipment such as bats, batting helmets and catchers gear should be cleaned between each use. Other
equipment, such as hockey helmets/pads, wrestling ear guards, football helmets/other pads, lacrosse helmets/pads/gloves/eyewear should be worn by only one individual and not shared.
• Appropriate clothing/shoes should be worn at all times in the weight room to minimize sweat from transmitting onto equipment/surfaces.
• Maximum lifts should be limited and power cages should be used for squats and bench presses. Spotters should stand at each end of the bar.
Cleaning and Disinfecting • The athletic director and the director of buildings and grounds shall develop a schedule for increased,
routine cleaning and disinfection. The schedule shall include at minimum the cleaning of facilities prior to arrival and post workouts and team gatherings. High touch areas shall be cleaned more often.
• The district shall clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on the field, court, or play surface (e.g., drinking fountains) at least daily, or between uses as much as possible.
• Use of shared objects and equipment (e.g., balls, bats, gymnastics equipment) shall be limited, or cleaned between use by each individual if possible.
• The director of buildings and grounds shall ensure safe and correct use and storage of disinfectants, including storing products securely away from children. The district shall use products that meet EPA disinfection criteria.
• The athletic director shall identify an adult staff member or volunteer to ensure proper cleaning and disinfection of objects and equipment, particularly for any shared equipment or frequently touched surfaces.
• Cleaning products should not be used near children, and staff should ensure that there is adequate ventilation when using these products to prevent children or themselves from inhaling toxic fumes.
• Weight room equipment shall be wiped down thoroughly before and after in individual’s use of equipment.
• Any equipment such as weight benches, athletic pads, etc. having holes with exposed foam should be covered.
• Clothing/towels (including pinnies) shall be washed after each practice. • Coaches and staff shall use gloves when removing garbage bags or handling and disposing of trash. Coaches
and staff shall wash their hands after removing gloves. Facilities • DTSD has multiple athletic fields on campus. Therefore, simultaneous games or practices on campus can be
held only if social distancing can be maintained. • If multiple games are held on campus, adequate time shall be scheduled between contests to allow for
facilities to be cleaned and disinfected, and to minimize interaction between athletes. • Each individual game or practice shall adhere to the gathering occupancy limits (250) and the facility as a
whole shall not exceed 50% of total occupancy otherwise permitted by law. This includes athletes, coaches, staff and spectators.
• Locker room use shall not be permitted. • The use of facility showers shall not be permitted. • Concession stands shall be closed. Transportation • Modifications for transportation to and from athletic events may be necessary. Modifications may include:
o Reducing the number of athletes, coaches and staff on a bus or van. o Social distancing on a bus or van. o Using hand sanitizer upon boarding a bus or van.
• Modifications shall be determined by the school district, Department of Education and/or local governments.
Caregivers and Spectators • Seating areas, including bleachers, shall adhere to social distancing requirements of at least 6 feet of spacing
for anyone not in the same household. To assist with proper social distancing, areas shall be clearly marked. Adults should wear face coverings (masks or face shields) at all times.
• Caregivers or spectators shall not enter the field of play or bench areas. • Nonessential visitors, spectators, and volunteers shall be limited when possible, including activities with
external groups or organizations. • Parents shall refrain from attending practices, or volunteering to assist with coaching. • Caregivers and coaches should assess levels of risk based on individual athletes on the team who may be at
a higher risk for severe illness. • Caregivers shall monitor their children for symptoms prior to any sporting event. Children and athletes who
are sick or showing symptoms must stay home. Events/Competitions • Individuals attending events/competitions shall be grouped into three categories ranging from essential to
non-essential. o Essential – Athletes, coaches, officials, event staff, medical staff, security o Preferred – Media o Non-essential – Spectators and vendors
• Only essential and preferred personnel shall be allowed to attend events/competitions until state/local governments lift restrictions on mass gatherings.
• Changes to seating capacity and social distancing may be necessary for each venue/field and shall be determined as more recommendations are released by local/state governments.
Point of Contact • The district’s athletic director shall be the primary point of contact for all questions related to COVID-19,
and all parents, athletes, officials, and coaches will be provided with that athletic director’s contact information.
Scott Govern Athletic Director Derry Township School District [email protected] phone: 717.534.2501 ext. 2277
CLASSIFICATION OF SPORTS Lower Risk Sports • Sports that can be done with social distancing or individually with no sharing of equipment or the ability to clean
the equipment between use by competitors. Examples:
o Individual running events o Throwing events (javelin, shot put, discus), o Individual swimming o Golf o Weightlifting o Cheerleading (Sideline) o Cross country running (with staggered starts)
Moderate Risk Sports • Sports that involve close, sustained contact, but with protective equipment in place that may reduce the
likelihood of respiratory particle transmission between participants OR intermittent close contact or group sports or sports that use equipment that cannot be cleaned between participants
Examples:
o Baseball* o Basketball, o Field hockey o High jump* o Ice hockey o Lacrosse (Girls) o Long jump* o Pole vault* o Soccer o Softball* o Swimming (Relays) o Tennis* o Volleyball*
*Could potentially be considered “lower risk” with appropriate cleaning of equipment and use of masks by participants. Higher Risk Sports • Sports that involve close, sustained contact between participants, lack of significant protective barriers, and high
probability that respiratory particles will be transmitted between participants. Examples:
o Cheerleading (Competitive) o Dance o Football o Lacrosse (Boys) o Wrestling
• What to do if you are sick o Coaches, staff members, athletes, and officials that are sick individuals should not attend any
practices or events. o Coaches, staff members, athletes, and officials that are sick should notify the athletic director and
head coach if they become sick with COVID-19 symptoms, test positive for COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 symptoms or a confirmed or suspected case.
o Coaches, staff members, athletes, and officials that are sick should not return until they have met CDC’s criteria to discontinue home isolation. See Appendix A
• Notify Health Officials and Close Contacts o In accordance with state and local privacy and confidentiality laws and regulations, the District
shall notify local health officials, officials, and families immediately of any case of COVID-19 while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities and other applicable laws and regulations.
o The District shall with local health officials to develop a reporting system (e.g., letter) to use to notify health officials and close contacts of cases of COVID-19.
o The District shall advise those who have had close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 to stay home and self-monitor for symptoms, and to follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.
• Clean and Disinfect o The District shall close off areas used by a sick person and shall not use these areas until after
cleaning and disinfecting them (for outdoor areas, this includes surfaces or shared objects in the area, if applicable).
o The District shall wait at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting. If 24 hours is not feasible, the District shall wait as long as possible. The District shall ensure safe and correct use and storage of cleaning and disinfection products, including storing them securely away from children.
Discontinuation of Isolation for Persons with COVID-19
For Persons with COVID-19 Under Isolation:
The decision to discontinue home isolation for persons with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should be made in the context of local circumstances. Options include a symptom-based (i.e., time-since-illness-onset and time-since-recovery strategy) or a test-based strategy. Of note, there have been reports of prolonged detection of RNA without direct correlation to viral culture.
1). Symptom-based strategy
Persons with COVID-19 who have symptoms and were directed to care for themselves at home may discontinue isolation under the following conditions:
• At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and,
• At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
2). Test-based strategy Previous recommendations for a test-based strategy remain applicable; however, a test-based strategy is contingent on the availability of ample testing supplies and laboratory capacity as well as convenient access to testing.
Persons who have COVID-19 who have symptoms and were directed to care for themselves at home may discontinue isolation under the following conditions:
• Resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and • Improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), and • Negative results of an FDA Emergency Use Authorized COVID-19 molecular assay for detection of SARS-CoV-
2 RNA from at least two consecutive respiratory specimens collected ≥24 hours apart (total of two negative specimens)*. See Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens from Persons for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Of note, there have been reports of prolonged detection of RNA without direct correlation to viral culture.
For Persons Who have NOT had COVID-19 Symptoms but Tested Positive and are Under Isolation:
Options now include both a 1) time-based strategy, and 2) test-based strategy.
1). Time-based strategy
Persons with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who have not had any symptoms and were directed to care for themselves at home may discontinue isolation under the following conditions:
• At least 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test assuming they have not subsequently developed symptoms since their positive test. If they develop symptoms, then the symptom-based or test-based strategy should be used. Note, because symptoms cannot be used to gauge where these individuals are in the course of their illness, it is possible that the duration of viral shedding could be longer or shorter than 10 days after their first positive test.
2). Test-based strategy A test-based strategy is contingent on the availability of ample testing supplies and laboratory capacity as well as convenient access to testing.
Persons with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who have not had any symptoms and were directed to care for themselves at home may discontinue isolation under the following conditions:
• Negative results of an FDA Emergency Use Authorized COVID-19 molecular assay for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from at least two consecutive respiratory specimens collected ≥24 hours apart (total of two negative specimens)*. See Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens from Persons for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Note, because of the absence of symptoms, it is not possible to gauge where these individuals are in the course of their illness. There have been reports of prolonged detection of RNA without direct correlation to viral culture.
Other Considerations
The symptom-based, time-based, and test-based strategies may result in different timeframes for discontinuation of isolation post-recovery. For all scenarios outlined above, the decision to discontinue isolation should be made in the context of local circumstances.
Note that recommendations for discontinuing isolation in persons known to be infected with COVID-19 could, in some circumstances, appear to conflict with recommendations on when to discontinue quarantine for persons known to have been exposed to COVID-19. CDC recommends 14 days of quarantine after exposure based on the time it takes to develop illness if infected. Thus, it is possible that a person known to be infected could leave isolation earlier than a person who is quarantined because of the possibility they are infected.
This recommendation will prevent most, but cannot prevent all, instances of secondary spread. The risk of transmission after recovery is likely substantially less than that during illness; recovered persons will not be shedding large amounts of virus by this point, if they are shedding at all. Employers and local public health authorities can choose to apply more stringent criteria for certain persons where a higher threshold to prevent transmission is warranted.
For certain populations, a longer timeframe after recovery may be desired to minimize the chance of prolonged shedding of replication-competent virus. Such persons include:
• healthcare personnel in close contact with vulnerable persons at high-risk for illness and death if those persons get COVID-19 and
• persons who have conditions that might weaken their immune system which could prolong viral shedding after recovery.
Experience from other respiratory viral infections, in particular influenza, suggests that people with COVID-19 may shed detectable viral materials of unknown infectious potential for an extended period of time after recovery. The best available evidence suggests that most persons recovered from illness with detectable viral RNA (either persistent or recurrent) are likely no longer infectious, but conclusive evidence is not currently available. Prolonged viral shedding has been demonstrated without direct correlation with replication competent virus. Although persons may produce PCR-positive specimens for up to 6 weeks, it remains unknown whether these PCR-positive samples represent the presence of infectious virus. Such persons should consult with their healthcare provider; strategies to address this might include additional PCR testing. When a test-based strategy is not feasible or desired, consider consultation with local infectious disease experts about discontinuing home isolation for patients who might have prolonged viral shedding, including those who are immunocompromised.
Footnotes
All test results should be final before isolation is ended. Testing guidance is based upon limited information and is subject to change as more information becomes available. In persons with a persistent productive cough, SARS-CoV-2-RNA might be detected for longer periods in sputum specimens than in respiratory specimens.
• Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetesseem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
Watch for symptoms
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
• Fever or chills• Cough• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing• Fatigue• Muscle or body aches• Headache• New loss of taste or smell• Sore throat• Congestion or runny nose• Nausea or vomiting• Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately
• Trouble breathing• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest• New confusion• Inability to wake or stay awake• Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe orconcerning to you.
Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.
COVID-19 Athlete/Coach Monitoring Form ______________________________________________________________
Sport
Students/Coaches should self-report as deemed necessary prior to each practice/event. Temperature shall be taken from a designated trained individual. The other symptoms should be marked as “N” – NO or “Y” Yes answers.
For the column “Close Contact” the answer should reflect the following question: Within the past 14 days have you had close contact with someone who is currently sick with suspected or confirmed COVID-19? (Note: Close contact is defined as within 6ft for more than 10 consecutive minutes, without PPE equipment.)
If any responses are “YES”, student shall NOT be allowed to practice or compete, and will be asked to leave school grounds. Parent/Guardian shall aslo be notified.
How to Protect Yourself and Others Print Resources Web Page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/print-resources.html
Know how it spreads • There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
» Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
» Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezesor talks.
» These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby orpossibly be inhaled into the lungs.
» Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people whoare not showing symptoms.
Everyone should Clean your hands often
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially afteryou have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains atleast 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together untilthey feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay at home as much as possible.
• Put distance between yourself and other people.
» Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
» This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of gettingvery sick. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
• Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
» Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
• Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
Cover coughs and sneezes
• If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Clean and disinfect
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/ disinfecting-your-home.html
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Important Information About Your Cloth Face CoveringsPrint Resources Web Page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/print-resources.html
As COVID-19 continues to spread within the United States, CDC has recommended additional measures to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. In the context of community transmission, CDC recommends that you:
Stay at home as much as possible
Practice social distancing (remaining at least 6 feet away from others)
6 ft Clean your hands often
In addition, CDC also recommends that everyone wear cloth face coverings when leaving their homes, regardless of whether they have fever or symptoms of COVID-19. This is because of evidence that people with COVID-19 can spread the disease, even when they don’t have any symptoms. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
How cloth face coverings workCloth face coverings may prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading respiratory droplets when talking, sneezing, or coughing. If everyone wears a cloth face covering when out in public, such as going to the grocery store, the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 can be reduced for the community. Since people may spread the virus before symptoms start, or even if people never have symptoms, wearing a cloth face covering may protect others around you. Face coverings worn by others may protect you from getting the virus from people carrying the virus.
General considerations for the use of cloth face coveringsWhen using a cloth face covering, make sure:
• The mouth and nose are fully covered• The covering fits snugly against the sides
of the face so there are no gaps• You do not have any difficulty breathing
while wearing the cloth face covering• The cloth face covering can be tied or
otherwise secured to prevent slipping
Wash your cloth face covering after each use in the washing machine or by hand using a bleach solution Allow it to completely dry.
For more information, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-make-cloth-face-covering.html
What You Can do if You are at Higher Risk of Severe Illness from COVID-19
(Print Resources Web Page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/print-resources.html)
Are You at Higher Risk for Severe Illness?
Based on what we know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are:
• People aged 65 years and older
• People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including:
• People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
• People who have serious heart conditions
• People who are immunocompromised - Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications.
• People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)
• People with diabetes
• People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
• People with liver disease
Here’s What You Can do to Help Protect Yourself
Stay home if possible.
Wash your hands often.
Avoid close contact(6 feet, which is about two arm lengths) with people who are sick.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Avoid all cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
Call your healthcare professional if you are sick.
For more information on steps you can take to protect yourself, see CDC’s How to Protect Yourself.
Call ahead before visiting your doctor. • Call ahead. Many medical visits for routine
care are being postponed or done by phone or telemedicine.
• If you have a medical appointment that cannot be postponed, call your doctor’s office. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients.
If you are sick, wear a cloth covering over your nose and mouth.• You should wear a cloth face covering over your
nose and mouth if you must be around other people or animals, including pets (even at home).
• You don’t need to wear the cloth face covering if you are alone. If you can’t put on a cloth face covering (because of trouble breathing for example), cover your coughs and sneezes in some other way. Try to stay at least 6 feet away from other people. This will help protect the people around you.
Note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical grade facemasks are reserved for healthcare workers and some first responders. You may need to make a cloth face covering using a scarf or bandana.
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:
• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or not able to be woken
• Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Call 911 if you have a medical emergency. If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the operator that you have or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before medical help arrives.
CS 316120-A 05/03/2020
cdc.gov/coronavirus
Prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sickAccessible version: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the steps below to help protect other people in your home and community.
Stay home except to get medical care. • Stay home. Most people with COVID-19
have mild illness and are able to recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
• Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated.
• Get medical care when needed. Call your doctor before you go to their office for care. But, if you have trouble breathing or other concerning symptoms, call 911 for immediate help.
• Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Separate yourself from other people and pets in your home. • As much as possible, stay in a specific room and
away from other people and pets in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available. If you need to be around other people or animals in or outside of the home, wear a cloth face covering.
ɞ See COVID-19 and Animals if you have questions about pets: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#COVID19animals
Monitor your symptoms.• Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever and
cough. Trouble breathing is a more serious symptom that means you should get medical attention.
• Follow care instructions from your healthcare provider and local health department. Your local health authorities will give instructions on checking your symptoms and reporting information.
Cover your coughs and sneezes.• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when
you cough or sneeze.
• Throw used tissues in a lined trash can.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Clean your hands often.• Wash your hands often with soap and water
for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
• Soap and water are the best option, especially if your hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid sharing personal household items.• Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups,
eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people in your home.
• Wash these items thoroughly after using them with soap and water or put them in the dishwasher.
Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday.• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces
in your “sick room” and bathroom. Let someone else clean and disinfect surfaces in common areas, but not your bedroom and bathroom.
• If a caregiver or other person needs to clean and disinfect a sick person’s bedroom or bathroom, they should do so on an as-needed basis. The caregiver/other person should wear a mask and wait as long as possible after the sick person has used the bathroom.
High-touch surfaces include phones, remote controls, counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
• Clean and disinfect areas that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.
• Use household cleaners and disinfectants. Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty. Then use a household disinfectant.
ɞ Be sure to follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product. Many products recommend keeping the surface wet for several minutes to ensure germs are killed. Many also recommend precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
ɞ Most EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.
How to discontinue home isolation• People with COVID-19 who have stayed home
(home isolated) can stop home isolation under the following conditions:
ɞ If you will not have a test to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
§ You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers) AND
§ other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath has improved) AND
§ at least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.
ɞ If you will be tested to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
§ You no longer have a fever (without the use of medicine that reduces fevers) AND
§ other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath has improved) AND
§ you received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart. Your doctor will follow CDC guidelines.
In all cases, follow the guidance of your healthcare provider and local health department. The decision to stop home isolation should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider and state and local health departments. Local decisions depend on local circumstances.
