Harbor Country Day School
COVID-19 Information

A novel coronavirus is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. Recently, a novel (new) coronavirus called COVID-19 was detected in thousands of people worldwide, primarily in China. Multiple cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the United States, and it is expected that more cases of COVID-19 will be identified in the future. For the most recent case information, visit the CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Summary webpage.

The most common symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Many of the initial patients with COVID-19 in China indicated possible animal-to-person spread. However, cases being reported at this time have been occurring through person-to-person spread. The virus is thought to spread mainly:

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Call ahead to a healthcare professional if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread. Tell your healthcare professional about your recent travel or contact. 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.

Call ahead to a healthcare professional if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread. Tell your healthcare professional about your recent travel or contact. Your healthcare professional will work with your state’s public health department and the CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.

The New York State Department of Health has set up a hotline at 888-364-3065. Locally, you may dial 211. Department of Health experts will be available to answer questions regarding COVID-19.

New York state is now able to perform testing for COVID-19. All testing performed on patients in Suffolk County must be approved by the Suffolk County Department of Health. The CDC has developed specific criteria for who can be tested for COVID-19. As the situation evolves, the criteria may change. For the most current testing criteria, visit the CDC Evaluating and Reporting Persons Under Investigation (PUI) webpage.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. There is also no specific treatment for COVID-19 at this time. However, most people will recover on their own after resting and drinking plenty of fluids. To relieve symptoms, people with the virus can take pain and fever medication and can use a room humidifier or take hot showers to help ease a sore throat and cough.

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the U.S. and practice social distancing. Local government may also enact closures and curfews which may differ from, and take precedence over, national guidelines.

As a further reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask.
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For information about hand-washing, see CDC’s Handwashing website

For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings.

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

There are currently no suspected cases of COVID-19 at Harbor Country Day School. We will inform the community if the virus appears in our community.

For Harbor Country Day School's full Reopening Plan for the 2020-2021 academic year, please visit HERE.

As a community with a shared responsibility to care for one another, we ask that you please report suspected exposure to Nancy Busa, the Harbor Country Day School nurse at: (631) 584-5555 x125.

Please know that we will handle this information with the utmost care and responsibility.

All reports of suspected exposure will be evaluated and handled following the proper guidance from health professionals.

We ask any member of our community who travels internationally or to one of the states with high community transmission based on the Tri-State Area Travel Advisory to quarantine and refrain from coming to campus for 14 days.  Additionally we ask that parents contact Nancy Busa, the Harbor Country Day School nurse.

We understand that this may pose a significant inconvenience, but please know that we make this request with the well-being of our community as our priority.

Harbor will be reopening on Friday, September 11 for in-person classes.  However, at this time, events, field trips, sports, etc. are cancelled until further notice.

For more information about Online Learning during a possible school closure, please visit HERE.

 

 

• "How to Talk to Your Anxious Child About the Coronavirus" from Psychology Today
• “How to Have a Panic-Free Conversation With Your Kids About the Coronavirus” from The Week
• “How to Talk to Your Kids About the Coronavirus Outbreak” from TIME

Create a Household Plan of action in case of illness in the household or disruption of daily activities due to COVID-19 in the community.

• Consider 2-week supply of prescription and over the counter medications, food and other essentials. Know how to get food delivered if possible.
• It is not necessary to hoard food or household necessities. Grocery stores and pharmacies plan to remain open.
• Establish ways to communicate with others (e.g., family, friends, co-workers).
• Establish plans to tele-work, what to do about childcare needs, how to adapt to cancellation of events.

To help slow the spread of coronavirus, Governor Cuomo has put social distancing measures in place including:

• All schools in New York are closed, at a minimum, through May 15.
• No gatherings of 10 people or more in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey
• Casinos, gyms, theaters will be closed as of 8:00 pm on Monday, March 16 until further notice
• Bars and restaurants will be closed as of 8:00 pm on Monday, March 16, but takeout can be ordered during the period of closure
• Strongly advise only services and businesses that are essential stay open after 8:00 pm
  • Groceries
  • Gas stations
  • Pharmacies
  • Medical facilities
• Non essential state workers will work from home
• All local governments must reduce their workforce by at least 100%

For the most up to the minute information as shared by the NYS Department of Health, visit:

https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home

Updates as posted to their website on March 18, 2020 include:

• The Governor and Legislature have an agreement on a bill guaranteeing job protection and pay for New Yorkers who have been quarantined as a result of novel coronavirus.
• Governor Cuomo signed an executive order directing all schools in New York to close until April 15, at a minimum.
• Casinos, gyms, theaters are closed until further notice.
• Bars and restaurants are closed, but takeout can be ordered during the period of closure.
• Strongly advise only services and businesses that are essential stay open after 8:00PM
  • Groceries
  • Gas stations
  • Pharmacies
  • Medical facilities
• All local governments must reduce their workforce by at least 100%. Non-essential state workers are working from home.
• New York State is waiving all park fees in state, local and county parks.
• Testing is free for all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider.
• Your local health department is your community contact for COVID-19 concerns.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collaborates to create the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health through health promotion, prevention of disease, injury and disability, and preparedness for new health threats.

Information regarding COVID-19 are being communicated by the CDC at: www.coronavirus.gov.

NYS COVID-19 Hotline - (888) 364-3065

If you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) or if you are experiencing any symptoms please call the hotline to make an appointment for testing. Note that a mobile test center is now available in Suffolk and more are on their way. The hotline will provide you with more information.

COVID-19 Call Center

Dial 311 with any generic questions you may have about COVID-19.

COVID-19 Suffolk Text Messages

Text COVIDSUFFOLK to 67283 to receive text message updates from Suffolk County.

Smart911 Registry

Sign up for this new Registry which gathers information from Suffolk County Residents for use during emergencies, evacuations and sheltering operations using the smartphone app or by visiting: www.smart911.com.

Smart911 is designed to provide:

• Valuable lifesaving information to Emergency Responders during their response to a registered address.
• Identification of specific needs of residents requiring assistance during evacuations.
• Resources required to accommodate individuals during sheltering operations.