PSMS 278

PSMS278 is committed to the health and well-being of all our students and staff. As we approach the colder months which often bring increased illnesses, the DOE has released safety guidance to help us prevent the transmission of any such illnesses. The safety guidance is available here in all of the DOE translated languages: www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/staying-healthy.

Below are some highlights:

• Stay Home When Sick: If your child tests positive for COVID-19, have them stay home and separate from others for at least 5 days, and talk to their health care provider about treatment. See more information on isolation from the DOH here: a816-health.nyc.gov/covid19help. If your child has symptoms of COVID-19, please see Department of Health (DOH) guidance here: www.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-whensick.page. As always, remain in contact with your child’s teacher for any missed assignments due to absences.

• Cover your Cough: Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze, or cough into your sleeve, not your hands.

• Wash Hands Often: Washing your hands with soap and water stops the spread of germs. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

• Stay up to date on all vaccines: Many vaccines are required to attend school. Additional vaccines such as those for COVID-19, influenza, and HPV are highly recommended to protect children and others. To find a COVID-19 or flu vaccination site, visit vaccinefinder.nyc.gov.

• Consider wearing a mask, especially in a crowded indoor setting particularly if your child has a medical condition that puts them at risk for severe COVID-19, or if they are around others who are at increased risk for COVID-19. Masks will also continue to be available for students, staff, or visitors needing one.

• See a Health Care Provider Regularly: If you don’t have a health care provider, call 311 or the 24-hour Contact Center for NYC Health and Hospitals (H+H) at 844-NYC-4NYC to be connected to care. Care is available in NYC regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.