Updates From The School Health Office - 12/18/20

Reminders about COVID:  

As we head into winter break next week, please remember to continue to inform the school nurse throughout vacation and the remote week after vacation if your student tests positive for COVID-19 or is considered a close contact.  The best way to contact me is by email at  cporell@littletonps.org    This is important so that the school nurse can help provide guidance, connect you to the local board of health if they have not contacted you yet, and continue to track how our school community is affected by the pandemic. To review, close contacts are defined as individuals who were within 6 feet for a cumulative of 15 minutes with a confirmed COVID positive individual during their infectious period or individuals who live in the same house as a positive case. Remember, if a person in your household tests positive for COVID, the whole household must stay home and quarantine. 

Reminder that the flu vaccine is required by the state for all students by 12/31/2020. So far, I have received paperwork that 54% students received their flu shot this season! Thank you and way to go! 

All students, regardless if they are remote or hybrid learners, must have the seasonal flu vaccine. Please forward any document or receipt you have for the flu shot to me at  cporell@littletonps.org   If you need a medical or religious exemption form, please contact me. Flu vaccines can also be given at the PCP’s office, Urgent Care Centers, CVS MinuteClinic,and local pharmacies such as CVS (ages 3+) and Walgreens (ages 4+).

The flu vaccine requirement is aimed to help reduce the number of respiratory illnesses and avoid overwhelming the hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, please visit: 

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm

Holiday Celebrations and Travel: 

Holiday gatherings increase the risk of COVID-19 spread. To help keep your family safe, here are some 

https://www.mass.gov/news/december-holiday-guidance

Lower-risk celebrations:

celebrate the upcoming holidays with only your household members

Host a virtual holiday dinner 

cancel or postpone holiday travel

Prepare foods for loved ones and deliver them in a non-contact way

View holiday lights from your car with those you live with

Consider virtual holiday activities including, virtual religious mass, virtual caroling, virtual visit with Santa

Higher-risk celebrations;

Holiday gatherings with those outside of your household

In-person caroling and in person visit to Santa Claus

Holiday travel - If you do travel outside of MA, please follow the 

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order

Remember, if you have not completed your isolation or quarantine period, have symptoms of COVID, are awaiting COVID test results, or may have been exposed to a COVID positive case in the last 14 days, it is best to not participate in any in-person festivities.
If you have travelled or plan to travel - please contact your school nurse for return to school protocols.

Following safety protocols will ensure a Happy and Healthy New Year for all Thank you in advance!