Issue 6 Fall 2020

COVID-19 Updates for Schools and Parents

As the start of the 2020-21 school year approaches, parents and guardians of school-age children have been hit again with one of the ongoing, growing impacts of the coronavirus pandemic: remote learning is recommended to start the school year.

The challenges presented by COVID-19 also are being felt keenly by child care providers who must adapt to new health and safety measures, and by families who cannot keep children home from child care.

The Health District does recommend remote learning to start the coming school year, as well as continuing to keep children home from child care when it is possible to do so. These are important for fighting the COVID pandemic, but we also know that these recommendations create hardship.

The Governor, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Department of Health also have released a framework for schools to use when making decisions about reopening. It is line with the local recommendation. Schools in areas with high transmission are encouraged to offer remote learning with potential for limited, small group in-person instruction for high-need students.

More than 75 cases per 100,000 population is considered high transmission under the statewide framework, and Snohomish County is at nearly 100 cases per 100,000. Getting case rates down to between 25 and 75 cases per 100,000 could allow for more flexibility, such as in-person instruction for younger age groups and remote or hybrid options for older students. Additional in-person learning options could be explored once case rates drop below 25 per 100,000.

“Returning to in-person learning together with the ancillary services, social supports and other enhancing activities that come along with in-person education is a goal that is shared by the Health District,” Health Officer Dr. Chris Spitters wrote in his recommendation to schools, sent July 29. “Yet, the reality of an attempt at in-person learning in the current situation would likely fall far short of that ideal and may come at an unacceptable cost in human health and further disruption of the learning environment.”

Many people have shared concerns and questions about schools and child care. We aimed to address some of those in a recent blog post found here. Please know that decisions around schools and child care are not made lightly, nor are they made without consulting others. The Health District continues to work with our public health partners throughout the state, the county’s Department of Emergency Management, and schools and child cares in Snohomish County.

Kids and Face Coverings

Kids can help keep our community safe and have fun, too! This video shows some tips about how to make wearing face coverings easier on everyone. Remember, children over the age of 2 should be wearing a mask while in public and unable to safely social distance.

Youth Incident Response Team (YIRT)

What is YIRT?
Volunteers of America Western Washington’s Behavioral Health Services, in coordination with Snohomish County Human Services, is pleased to announce the Youth Incident Response Team (YIRT). YIRT is a specialty program that will provide free, short-term crisis intervention and prevention services to families, schools and communities which have experienced a significant community-based trauma involving or impacting youth.

Who is YIRT?
The team consists of Mental Health Professionals with specialized training in trauma-informed care and Disaster response. They will utilize strength based, solution-focused, culturally competent trauma informed approaches.

How is YIRT accessible?
This service is available throughout Snohomish County during regular business hours:
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to individuals and groups.
To access these services, contact the 24/7 Care Crisis Line at 1-800 584-3578 or email Pat Morris, YIRT Project manager at pmorris@voaww.org.

Health Teachers!

Are you looking for a remote learning opportunity for your students? Here is a FREE Vaping Prevention Remote Learning Toolkit that you can use in your health classes now! Everything is based on the latest evidence, comes with videos and slides, and student worksheets.

Health Alert! Youth who use vapes, cigarettes or both are at high risk for COVID infection

A recent study which surveyed youth and young adults age 13-24 found that those who ever used vapes were 5 times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID than those who didn’t use vapes; and teens who used vapes and cigarettes (dual use) were 7 times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID than those who used no tobacco products.

Immunization Resources for School Nurses

Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year! Most of you are aware of the new school immunization laws and are actively engaged to implement them. For those new to school nursing in Washington State, please go to the Department of Health’s School and Child Care Immunization webpage for the latest information.

The Immunization Resources document has been updated and translated into several languages spoken by families in Snohomish County. These documents list local Federally Qualified Health Centers that help families sign up for Washington Apple Health insurance and establish a medical home. Assistance is also available through the Health Care Authority website.

The Washington State Department of Health published data showing a steep decline in childhood immunization rates during the early months of the COVID-19 outbreak. Healthcare providers are working hard to reverse that trend and get young patients back on schedule with well-child checkups and preventive care, including immunizations. The Immunity Community’s COVID-19 and Immunizations webpage has information and resources you can use to inform and educate the school community on practices and protocols used to provide care during the outbreak.

Vaccine questions? Susan Babcock, the Health District’s Immunization Public Health Nurse, is available to help evaluate vaccine records for school attendance. She can be reached at 425-339-8678, 425-551-8715 or sbabcock@snohd.org.
Questions about resources for vaccination? Contact Mary O’Leary, Immunization Health Educator, at 425-339-5258 or moleary@snohd.org.

Home Alone Child Safety

Leaving a child (of any age) alone at home may not be a first choice, but for many families it is the only option when school starts remotely.

Please share these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics with families where you know a child may be home alone during the day.

Make sure children know how and when to call 911.
Practice their address and post it in a visible location.
Develop a list of contacts starting with key family members, and a trusted neighbor (someone close by).
Have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, and check their expiration dates.
Consider foods that don't require cooking, such as sandwiches or pre-made meals kept in the fridge.
Have a first aid kit available for minor injuries likes small cuts.
In case of a disaster or emergency, have a plan and place a go-bag in an easy to access location.
Have caregivers and children complete a Home Alone Safety Checklist and display it in a prominent location.

For more information about leaving children home alone, visit here.