ALVORD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT’s response to novel coronavirus and current resources for employees and the public

In response to the novel coronavirus or COVID-19* situation, this is where Alvord USD will post information of use to employees and the public. Information on this developing public health issue is evolving, so please check the web links below often for important updates.

 * On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the current outbreak of coronavirus disease, COVID-19.

Riverside County Incident Management and Communications

1. Incident management, and media inquiries are currently under a coordinated system led by the Riverside University Health System, Public Health Departmental Operations Center (RUHS DOC), Riverside County Emergency Management Department (EMD), and the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE).
2. Alvord Unified School District notifications and school communications pertaining to COVID-19 are also being coordinated with the above authorities to ensure accurate and timely information.

What ALVORD USD is Doing Now

1. Maintaining good hygiene and hand washing is recommended by the CDC: stop the spread of germs with regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and by using hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol-based or equivalent is recommended by the CDC).
1. ALVORD USD will ensure that personal hygiene supplies, soap dispensers, and cleaning/disinfectant supplies are stocked and filled by custodial staff, and always available at all schools and district sites.
2. Students and staff will be reminded to wash hands properly and often.
2. Cleaning and Sanitizing. ALVORD USD will authorize extra duty time for custodial staff as needed. Also, surface cleaning is a priority, including frequent cleaning or disinfection of surfaces that are touched repeatedly throughout the day (e.g., door knobs, desktops, keyboards, touchscreen devices, and the like).
3. Monitoring. Nursing staff will coordinate information with RUHS about new or returning students who have recently traveled to/from China, and other areas with high level travel restrictions, where travelers must adhere to self-quarantine, among other public health screening and monitoring procedures currently required by the US Government.
1. When a student at school isn't feeling well or becomes ill, s/he will be sent to the nurse's office until parent/guardian is notified to come take their child home.
2. Click here to view our web page for guidance on when to keep a sick child home.
4. Revising existing plans for pandemic disease, including coordinating case reporting with local health authorities.
5. Reminding students and staff about respiratory hygiene; that is, covering your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze; and avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth.

Online Resources and Videos for Employees and the Public

1. LOCAL:  Current information and new videos about the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 situation in Riverside County are on the Riverside University Health System, Public Health web site: https://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus.aspx. This site includes links to state and federal public health agencies, also.
2. NATIONAL: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
3. RUMOR CONTROL VS FACTS. CDC has posted an online fact sheet to combat rumors and misinformation about COVID-19. The URL is: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/share-facts.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fshare-facts-stop-fear.html

Telephone Information Call Centers

1. LOCAL (NOTE: Effective February 7, 2020, the county public call center went from a live hotline to a recorded message referring callers to the CDC info line in #2 below).
2. NATIONAL: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established a toll-free number: (800) 232-4636 (800-CDC-INFO).