Health Services

Coronavirus Information

You may have heard news reports about the Coronavirus that has caused an outbreak of a respiratory illness and that there has been a confirmed case in Orange County. We understand this may be a source of concern for our community and ask that you read the following important information.

The Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) says the risk for school children in Orange County is minimal. According to the OCHCA, the Coronavirus is spread, similarly to other illnesses like the flu and common cold, through coughing or sneezing by those who already have it. Symptoms can include fever, coughing and difficulty breathing.

The OC Health Care Agency will issue new guidance should circumstances change, and OCDE will share this information as it is released. In the meantime, the CDC continues to advise regular preventative measures to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including hand-washing and covering up coughs and sneezes.

Student safety is a top priority and WSD staff will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide you with any necessary updates. For the latest information from OCDE regarding the novel Coronavirus, please visit: https://newsroom.ocde.us/coronavirus-update/

Recommendations for Families

It is recommended that families continue to monitor the health and well-being of their children and themselves, and take all necessary, routine precautions that we would expect: frequent and thorough hand-washing, avoiding contact with people who are sick, staying home if you experience symptoms associated with the flu and consulting with your family's primary care physician, as appropriate.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and OCHCA Guidance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the OCHA recommends taking these daily precautions for this or any other illness:

Avoid close contact: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Cover your mouth and nose: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu and other serious respiratory illnesses, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) are spread by coughing, sneezing or unclean hands.

Clean your hands: Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Here is a three-minute video from the CDC about proper hand washing: https://youtu.be/eZw4Ga3jg3E

For more information, visit the Orange County Health Care Agency's website at:

http://www.ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/epidasmt/epi/dip/prevention/novel_coronavirus