The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined the outbreak of the new coronavirus, a respiratory illness marked by flu symptoms including cough, shortness of breath and fever, could reach pandemic levels. There are currently at least 11 known cases in the U.S., experts stated on a press call Tuesday morning, with additional suspected cases under review.
A lack of government guidance has left frontline workers, including school nurses, with little information to navigate the virus. But there are still steps districts can take to ensure nurses and school communities are prepared, including educating themselves and others on the virus and its symptoms, ensuring nurses have resources needed to screen for symptoms, and providing staff members who decide to self-quarantine with pay.
