​FCCS COVID-19 Plan 

What is COVID-19?
  • COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
 
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
  • The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough.
  • Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea.
  • Symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell.
  • Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment.
  • Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing.
  • Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness.
  • People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
 
Incubation Period
  • Ranges from 2-14 days
 
Contagious Period & Spread
  • The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person in the following ways:
  • 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.
 
Treatment
  • There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
 
Prevention
  • Cough or sneeze into sleeved arm or cover nose and mouth with a tissue.  Throw away the tissue after use.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Wash hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze; an alcohol-based hand rub can be used if soap and water are not nearby.
  • Avoid sharing cups and eating utensils with others.
  • Increase deep cleaning to at least 2 times per week and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces like doorknobs, tables, drinking fountains and handrails daily.
  • Avoid family style serving if possible.
  • Preschool – when napping mats are used, children should be kept at least 6 feet apart if possible and mats should be cleaned after each use.
 
Teachers, Caregivers, and Families
  • If a child develops symptoms associated with COVID-19 while at home, please inform the teacher as soon as is possibly by phone or email. DO NOT bring the student to the school.
  • If a child develops symptoms associated with COVID-19 while at school, the teacher will immediately contact the parent(s) to arrange for pickup of student and report to the designated health representative (Jessica Reeder).
  • Designated school personnel with decision-making authority will, in collaboration with the registered school nurse, coordinate next steps with the Larimer County Health Department,  1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80524, 970-498-6700
 
School Closure
  • There are three primary rationale for closing the Fort Collins Christian School:
              (1) Limiting spread of the virus in the community,
              (2) Protecting vulnerable children,
              (3) Reacting to staff shortages or children kept at home because of infections or parents’  fears of infection.
  • As per the recommendation of the health department, if there is one confirmed case of COVID-19 in our student or teacher population, the school will be closed for a minimum of 72 hours for cleaning and social distancing.
  • Contact tracing and further COVID-19 testing will be conducted by the local health agency before the resumption of classes.
  • A second confirmed case will result in a second closure of 72 hours or longer. A public health investigation will be conducted.
  • Three confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection in students or staff within a 30-day period will result in the closure of our school for a minimum of 14 days.
  • In the event that an immediate family member of a student, staff member, or school volunteer tests positive for COVID-19, then we  would recommend that the person exposed to that infected person should be tested. During the testing period, our school may close for 24 hours until receipt of the test results.
 
School Work During School Closure
  • Students (K-8) will be required to take home their textbooks and workbooks every day in case of a school closure.
  • In the event of school closure, teachers (K-8) will communicate assignments via email, text or phone calls.
  • Teachers (K-8) will communicate dates and times that they will be available for instruction and help with assignments.
  • For ideas to continue your preschooler’s learning, visit our preschool website: https://www.fortcollinspreschool.org/. Miss Reeder will communicate via email specific skills to practice with preschoolers at the beginning of each week that school is closed. She will also communicate with families the times that she will be available for questions that parents may have regarding helping their children practice these skills.
 
Please be advised that this plan is subject to additions or revisions as per the recommendation of the health department.
 
Work Cited
  • “COVID-19 Resources for Schools.” COVID-19 Resources for Schools, Colorado Depart of Education, www.cde.state.co.us/safeschools.
  • “Q&A On Coronaviruses (COVID-19).” Q&A On Coronaviruses (COVID-19), 9 March 2020, 9 Mar. 2020, www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses.

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