Can COVID-19 outbreaks occur in schools?
Some outbreaks have occurred in schools, leading to closures. Significant secondary transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection can and does occur in school settings when mitigation strategies are not implemented or are not followed. When outbreaks occur in school settings, they tend to result in increased transmission among teachers and school staff rather than among students.
How long must students quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic?
If a student has symptoms and had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with someone who has COVID-19 and tests negative or was unable to be tested, the student must quarantine for 14 days.
Is COVID-19 symptom screening in schools effective?
The effectiveness of COVID-19 symptom screening in schools is not well known. A recent study found that symptom screening that evaluated for all known COVID-19 symptoms and was conducted by health professionals in a hospital setting failed to identify nearly half (45%) of all pediatric patients infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, and 40% of those with COVID-19 symptoms did not have the virus that causes it.
Should asymptomatic persons also quarantine if someone at school tested positive for COVID-19?
Asymptomatic individuals who have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 should also quarantine for 14 days from the last contact with an infected person. To best protect the student and others, have the student stay home for the full 14 days. Check your local health department’s website for information about options in your area to possibly shorten this quarantine period.
Can you contract the coronavirus disease from a package in the mail?
Coronaviruses are thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets. Although the virus can survive for a short period on some surfaces, it is unlikely to be spread from domestic or international mail, products or packaging.
Can the coronavirus disease spread through food?
There is no evidence that people can get COVID-19 from eating food. However, sharing utensils and congregating around food service areas may present risks. If food is offered at any meeting or event, have individual, pre-packaged boxes or bags instead of a potluck, buffet, or family-style meal.
Will a HEPA filter kill COVID-19?
A HEPA filter does not kill the COVID-19 virus, but the elements that can transport the virus attach to the filter so they cannot circulate in your living area. Appliances that use HEPA filters only work when they are on, so you may need to run the fan on your furnace continuously or for longer periods of time.
Am I immune to COVID-19 after recovery?
Currently, it is unknown if recovered adults are definitively immune to SARS-CoV-2 reinfection because biologic markers of immunity have not been correlated with protection from infection. However, available evidence suggests that most recovered adults would have a degree of immunity for at least 90 days following initial diagnosis of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19.
Can COVID-19 spread through bodies of water?
The places we visit to swim, play, and relax in water include beaches — swim areas in oceans, lakes, and other natural bodies of water — and pools, water playgrounds, and hot tubs. There is no evidence that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can spread to people through water in these places.
Who should quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Anyone who has had close contact with someone with COVID-19 should stay home for 14 days after their last exposure to that person. The best way to protect yourself and others is to stay home for 14 days if you think you’ve been exposed to someone who has COVID-19.
Are masks effective against the coronavirus disease?
Masks are now recognized as one of the most effective available tools to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This intervention decreases transmission of the coronavirus and is a readily scalable measure to ensure the public’s health.
Can the coronavirus disease spread through feces?
The virus that causes COVID-19 has been found in the feces of some patients diagnosed with COVID-19. However, it is unclear whether the virus found in feces may be capable of causing COVID-19. There has not been any confirmed report of the virus spreading from feces to a person.
Does cooking meat kill the coronavirus?
You should always handle and prepare food safely, including keeping raw meat separate from other foods, refrigerating perishable foods, and cooking meat to the right temperature to kill harmful germs.