School Health
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), in partnership with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has confirmed the first case of 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wisconsin.
Schools should be aware of how to handle students or families that may have been exposed to the virus while traveling to other countries with outbreaks. If students are feeling sick and showing signs of the flu, DHS suggests that school nurses or administrators send the students to see their health care providers. Only health care providers can diagnose 2019-nCoV infections.
Private schools should be aware of the procedures DHS is recommending to public school districts:
“Individuals who are arriving to the United States from China are being asked to voluntarily quarantine themselves at home (i.e. stay home) for 14 days and monitor themselves (or family members) for symptoms (fever, cough or shortness of breath). If symptoms are observed, then they should call their healthcare provider or Urgent Care BEFORE presenting in the office. Districts with students or staff who have traveled to China in the past 14 days or who are expecting such individuals to attend school are advised to consult with your local public health department. School districts may look at their local attendance policies to determine how they will “code” or “handle” any absences as a result of recent travel to China.”
Please notify your school’s community about your school’s sick policy. If you need guidance for your policy, please see page 43 of the 2018-19 WCRIS Legal Handbook. You can access a digital copy of the Handbook through the WCRIS Member Portal.
Current Status of 2019-nCoV
Currently, 2019-nCoV is not spreading, according to the DHS. There are 12 confirmed cases in the US and no deaths according to the CDC. The DHS reports that the virus has been labeled a public health emergency only to help free up aid and funds.
Both the CDC and DHS state that the flu and other seasonal respiratory issues pose a greater risk to the general public.
