We are deep into the winter months and with it comes sniffles, runny noses and the flu. Indeed, this year has already been heavy with absences due to illness. In response to the increased incidences of illness, our custodial teams will be modifying their daily cleaning schedule to thoroughly disinfect classroom surfaces (tables, desks, etc.) and door handles. We have also been working with our district nurse team to ramp-up our communications with staff and parents about steps that we all can take to stay healthy during this season. Working with the Vista Unified lead nurse, Keri Miller, we have outlined below some proactive steps to take to stay healthy:

1- 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.  
2- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.  
3- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  
4- Stay home when you are sick.  
5- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. 
6- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
7- Individuals with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
8- Get vaccinated every year.

As we ramp-up our communication related to staying healthy, we also want to get the accurate information to our community about the novel coronavirus. Our partners at the San Diego County Office of Education have created a periodic community health update to keep parents and community members informed with accurate information related to the novel coronavirus. We will be posting these updates on the Vista Unified website.

The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is monitoring the novel coronavirus, and has information available on its website. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health also has FAQs available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. At this time, according to the HHSA, “residents of San Diego County are at low risk of becoming infected with the novel coronavirus, unless they have recently traveled to Wuhan, China or have come in close contact with someone who was ill who recently traveled to that area.”  For a more thorough report from HHSA on the current status of the novel coronavirus, refer to the letter from Dr. Wilma J. Wooten, Public Health Officer & Director, Public Health Services (click HERE to view the letter).