Each school site has a full time Health Assistant and part time Nurse to assist students and families with health needs and specialized health care procedures. They coordinate health services for families who have difficulty navigating the healthcare system and work with community and statewide partners to provide optimal services for students. Health insurance assistance can be obtained through the case management process. 

Information on the Coronavirus

Dear OMSD Parents and Community,

As you know, the health and well-being of all students and staff on our campuses is important.

We are continuing to closely monitor the novel coronavirus and want to reassure you that we are working with the San Bernardino County Department of Health and Local State agencies to stay current on any new developments.

Sometimes, as parents, it feels like we have more questions than answers when it comes to student health in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Association of School Nurses and Kaiser Permanente has built a resource to answer some of these questions and to support parents with links to find additional resources.

What can I do to protect my child and my family?

The best thing you can do is to actively practice and reinforce good prevention habits with your family. There are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing 60 percent or more alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve.
• Clean surfaces around your home and vehicle consistent with Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Remain at home until fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
• Seek immediate medical care if symptoms become more severe such as a high fever or difficulty breathing.
• Follow guidance from public health officials.

Is the vaccine safe?

As vaccines are rolled out across the country, it’s important to know the facts. Here's what you need to know about the different vaccines and the benefits of getting vaccinated.

Resources:

• Are there long term effects from COVID-19 vaccine for kids?
• Are there side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine for kids ?
• If my child had COVID -19 already, should they get vaccinated?
• How effective are COVID-19 vaccines for kids ?
• COVID-19 Vaccines: Get the Facts

COVID-19 Protection

How can students protect themselves & prevent the spread of COVID-19?

Just like adults, students can play a role in controlling the spread of the virus. Healthy habits have a big impact. 

They can:

• Wear a mask appropriately. A mask should fit securely over the mouth and nose.
• Practice physical distancing. Keep at least 6 feet between people.
• Wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. Make sure to get in all the cracks and crevices.
• Cover coughs and sneezes and change their masks after sneezing.
• Stay home when sick.

Please also remember to keep students home if they have symptoms of illness and COVID-19 like fever, cough, vomiting and diarrhea, nasal congestion, or shortness of breath. 

Resources:

• How to Protect Yourself & Others
• Return to School Video Series created by the National Association of School Nurses (NASN)

What is the risk of my student becoming sick with COVID-19?

You should know that information about COVID-19 in students is somewhat limited. With the information we have, we believe that generally, students are not at a higher risk of being infected with COVID-19, but they can get it and they can get sick. 

The good news is most students have mild symptoms or they may have no symptoms at all.

However, a small percentage of students have been reported to have more severe illness. 

If your student has COVID-19-like symptoms, they should avoid contact with older adults and people of any age who may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Resources:

• COVID-19 in students
• People at Higher Risk for Getting COVID-19
• Children and Teens
• Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in K-12 schools

Is there a greater risk for my student with underlying health conditions?

If your student has any underlying health conditions, you should talk to your health care provider. It is possible that she is at higher risk.

Resources:

• CDC Guidance for students With Underlying Medical Conditions

COVID-19 Symptoms

• Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
• Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 (Spanish)
• Symptoms of Coronavirus
• Symptoms of Coronavirus (Spanish)
• What to Do If You are Sick with COVID19
• What to Do If You are Sick with COVID19 (Spanish)

This is the current information on the CDC, CDPH and San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Websites for the Coronavirus (COVID-2019):

• California Department of Public Health - Information on the Coronavirus Disease
• San Bernardino County - Public Health - News Release regarding the Coronavirus Disease