SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

The emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China and its spread to other parts of the world has generated a great deal of news and questions over the last few weeks.

At Lincoln Public Schools, we want to assure families that we are taking all the essential precautions and we have protocols in place to respond to any outbreak of communicable diseases within our schools. We have been working closely with the Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department as they monitor the situation and we will follow their instructions.

Resources

City of Lincoln Hotline about COVID-19:
(402) 441-8006

Updates

Past Updates

General Information on the COVID-19 Coronavirus

Prevent the Spread

We want to remind you about protections we can all take to prevent the spread of ALL respiratory infections:

  • Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with those who are sick.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
CDC: Preventing the Spread of Disease in Your Home

Symptoms of COVID-19

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
CDC: COVID-19 Symptoms

What to Do If You Have Symptoms

  • Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home.
  • Call ahead before visiting your healthcare provider or the emergency room.
  • Tell your healthcare provider about your travel or potential close contact with a person known to have COVID-19.
  • Stay home except when directed by your healthcare provider to receive medical care.
  • Wear a facemask if you have symptoms and are around others.

Your healthcare professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.

CDC: Next Steps

Items to Have on Hand at Home

  • Store a two week supply of water and non-perishable foods.
  • Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home.
  • Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
  • Soap and water and/or alcohol based hand sanitizer.
Homeland Security: Pandemic Preparedness

Preparing for a Possible Pandemic

The Centers for Disease Control offers the following tips for families in preparing for a possible pandemic:

  • Build a preparedness kit.
  • Plan for extended childcare in case of prolonged school closure.
  • Plan home learning activities and exercises.
  • Have materials, such as books, on hand.
  • Ask your employer about how business will continue during a pandemic.
  • Ask your employer if you can work from home during a flu pandemic.
  • Get copies and maintain electronic versions of health records from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and other sources and store them, for personal reference. Get help accessing electronic health records.
  • Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.

For more preparedness tips, visit the CDC website.

CDC: Pandemic Preperation