COVID-19 Toolkit for Schools 2021-2022 - Updated September 3, 2021 - City of Eau Claire
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2021-2022
COVID-19 Toolkit for
Schools
Updated September 3, 2021
A note about this guidance...
First, we would like to thank all of the teachers, staff and administrators who have
been working so hard the past 18 months to create safe learning environments for
our students. You've gone above and beyond, and this is not easy work. Having to
enter our third school year impacted by COVID-19 is more than anyone would have
expected in March 2020. However, this school year also brings a new virus strain is
which more contagious, and can be transmitted by vaccinated people.
The benefits of in-person learning are numerous and we look forward to a close
partnership to make this as safe as possible for students and staff.
A layered prevention approach is the best solution to create the safest in-person
learning environment. As shown in the graphic below, each layer, with vaccination
being the MOST effective, plays a roll in keeping kids healthy and in school.
When more people are vaccinated and community spread is lower, fewer "layers" of
prevention and protection are needed. When fewer people are vaccinated and there
is more community spread, more layers are needed to help keep COVID-19 from
impacting schools in a major way.
This guide discusses each of the "layers" of protection we have available (as
recommended by CDC, WI DHS, WI DPI, and Eau Claire City-County Health
Department) and how to properly implement them to maximize their benefit to
your school community. We welcome questions at any time.
Table of Contents
COVID-19 101.......................................................................................................................................4
Guidance for Schools......................................................................................................................5-6
COVID-19 Vaccination.........................................................................................................................7
Face Coverings..................................................................................................................................8-9
Physical Distancing in Schools........................................................................................................10
Classroom, Lunch, and Library Guidance............................................................................11
Recess...........................................................................................................................................12
Bus Recommendations.............................................................................................................13
Visitors, Extracurriculars, and Family/School Events.........................................................14
Before & After School Care Recommendations................................................................15
Isolation, Quarantine, and Contact Tracing................................................................................16
Staying Home When Sick.................................................................................................................17
Ventilation...........................................................................................................................................18
Hand Hygiene & Respiratory Etiquette........................................................................................19
Cleaning & Disinfecting....................................................................................................................20
Resources............................................................................................................................................21COVID-19 Basics
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus that was discovered in December 2019.
COVID-19 symptoms include cough, fever, and shortness of breath, among others. Read Symptoms
of Coronavirus by the CDC to learn more.
How is COVID-19 spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person, through
respiratory droplets are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These
droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the
lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
Source: CDC Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stay safe and keep others from getting sick?
Wear a face covering.
Get vaccinated: CDC and WI DHS
CDC recommends universal
recommend COVID-19 vaccination for
indoor masking for all teachers,
everyone 12 years of age. Vaccines
staff, students, and visitors to K-
are the best prevention strategy right
12 schools, regardless of
now.
vaccination status.
Keep distance from others
CDC recommends schools Cover your coughs and sneezes
maintain at least 3 feet of physical with a tissue, or cough/sneeze in
distance between students within to your elbow if a tissue is not
classrooms available. Throw away tissues
When not masked, staying 6 feet immediately and wash your hands.
apart is important
Stay home when sick to stop
Wash your hands frequently for the spread of disease.
20 seconds with warm water and
soap. Use hand sanitizer when
water and soap is not available. Clean frequently touched surfaces
at least daily. This includes tables,
Monitor for COVID-19 symptoms: doorknobs, light switches, desks
Send home staff and students countertops, handles, phones,
experiencing symptoms and keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
recommend testing. Follow CDC's guidelines for when to
clean and disinfect.
4Fall 2021 Guidance for Eau Claire County Schools
Implementing all prevention strategies listed below provides the best opportunity to offer safe
and consistent in-person schooling. Based on CDC guidance, the following prevention strategies
should be layered to reduce spread. When working together, these strategies have a greater
impact than any one strategy on its own.
Vaccination
Vaccination is the most important strategy. Having more students, teachers, staff, and
families vaccinated will help schools safely resume full operations. People 12 years
and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. Schools can promote vaccinations
among teachers, staff, families, and eligible students by providing information about
COVID-19 vaccine appointments, encouraging vaccine confidence, and establishing
supportive policies and practices that make vaccination as easy and convenient as
possible.
Consistent and correct mask use for all staff and students in schools,
regardless of vaccination status:
Masks can help to provide protection from COVID-19. Consistent and correct mask
use is especially important indoors and in crowded outdoor settings, especially
when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Indoors: Mask use is recommended for all teachers, staff, and students in
schools, regardless of vaccination status.
Outdoors: Being outdoors reduces the chance of virus spread. In general,
people do not need to wear masks outdoors. Unvaccinated people should
consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings or during activities that
involve sustained, close contact with other people who are not fully vaccinated.
Physical distance
Physical distancing is an important layer of protection. Students who are not fully
vaccinated should maintain physical distance of at least 3 feet from other people
at school. When it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of at least 3 feet,
such as when schools cannot fully re-open while maintaining these distances, it is
especially important to layer additional prevention strategies, such as indoor
masking, cohorting, handwashing and covering coughs/sneezes, staying home
when sick, regular cleaning and other mitigation strategies to help reduce
transmission risk.
A distance of at least 6 feet is recommended between students and teachers/staff,
and between teachers/staff who are not fully vaccinated. Distancing remains
important where masks are not worn, such as when eating.
5Contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine
All of these are critical in group settings such as schools. Isolation is for people who
test positive, so that they stay home and do not spread COVID-19 to others. Contact
tracing is the process where anyone who was in close contact with the positive case is
identified. Quarantine is for people who have been been exposed to COVID-19
(identified through contact tracing). The WI Department of Health Services has
published Guidelines for Investigation of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Schools to help
schools navigate positive cases and close contacts in schools. Universal masking with
distancing students at least 3 feet apart in classroom settings can reduce the number
of students who would need to quarantine if someone near them tests positive. Read
more from CDC.
Staying home when sick and getting tested
Students, teachers, and staff who have symptoms of infectious illness, such as
COVID-19 or the flu, should stay home and get tested. Staying home when sick is
essential to keep infections out of schools and prevent spread to others. If a person
develops COVID-19 symptoms or is a close contact, they should get tested. In
addition to community testing sites, testing for COVID-19 is available and free to all
Wisconsin schools through the DHS School Testing program.
Handwashing and respiratory etiquette
Attention to handwashing will help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other
infectious illnesses. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Modeling and
practicing respiratory etiquette (covering coughs and sneezes) is also an important
tool to decrease spread of illnesses including COVID-19. Schools should monitor and
reinforce those behaviors and provide adequate, easily accessible handwashing
supplies.
Ventilation
Improving ventilation can reduce the number of virus particles in the air. Along with
other preventive strategies, including wearing a well-fitting, multi-layered mask,
bringing fresh outdoor air into a building helps keep virus particles from
concentrating inside. This can be done by opening multiple doors and windows,
using child-safe fans to increase the effectiveness of open windows, or making
changes to the HVAC or air filtration systems.
Cleaning and disinfection
In general, cleaning once a day is enough to sufficiently remove potential virus that
may be on surfaces. Visit the CDC’s website for more information on proper cleaning
and disinfection.
6COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccination is the leading public health prevention strategy in the COVID-19 pandemic
As of May 12, 2021, all individuals in Wisconsin aged 12 and over are eligible to receive a
COVID-19 vaccination.
Vaccination is FREE for everyone
Proof of insurance, residence or citizenship is NOT required
No ID is required
The Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine currently approved for individuals
COVID-19
12+. You must be 18+ to receive the other vaccines.
Vaccines For Ages 12 and Older: What Parents and Guardians Should Know
Read more about the COVID-19 vaccines here
Visit vaccines.gov or text 438829 with your zip code to find COVID-19
Vaccination vaccine locations near you
Appointments Learn about how to schedule a vaccine appointment with your doctor or
a community clinic by clicking here
Fully vaccinated individuals do not need to quarantine following a known
exposure if they do not develop symptoms of COVID-19. A test is
Benefits of recommended 3-5 days after exposure
Drastically reduces the chance of getting sick, hospitalized, or dying from
Vaccination COVID-19
Helps decrease the risk of people around you from getting COVID-19
Builds immunity to different strains of COVID-19 (better than if you were
previously sick with COVID-19
Slows spread and prevents new, more dangerous strains of COVID-19
from developing. Learn more at COVID-19: After You Get the Vaccine
DPI COVID-19 Information for School Health Services
Resources for Logistical Considerations for Hosting School-located COVID
Schools Vaccination Clinics
DHS Vaccine Partner Resources
DHS Post-Vaccination Guidance for Schools
Quarantine guidelines are based on vaccination status. School districts
are encouraged to seek parent/family permission to access student
Vaccine
COVID vaccination status via WIR, as COVID vaccination is not a required
Verification vaccine, and reporting of vaccination status is voluntary
See DPI and CDC for more information
7Consistent & Correct Mask Use
CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, WI DHS and DPI, and the Eau Claire City-County
Health Department recommend universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students,
and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.
Masks help protect the wearer from illness and help protect others by preventing the spread of
disease if an individual does not realize they are sick or does not yet have symptoms. Mask use is
especially important when physical distancing or other prevention strategies cannot be
maintained. Face masks are required on school buses.
Universal masking is a simple and effective approach to maintaining in-person instruction
during the 2021-2022 school year. Here's why:
Younger students (under 12 years of age) are not yet eligible for vaccination.
Physical distancing of three or more feet between students cannot always be maintained.
Community transmission levels of COVID-19 continue to change; some counties are
experiencing high levels of community transmission including the variant that spreads easily
(Delta variant, B.1.617.2).
Many schools would have difficulty monitoring the vaccine status of students and/or teachers
and staff.
Teachers and staff would have difficulty enforcing mask policies that are not universal.
Why mask if vaccinated?
Vaccines are working and are very effective against hospitalization and death for all of the variant
strains we have at this time. People who are fully vaccinated are less likely than unvaccinated
people to get very sick from COVID-19. New data suggest that the Delta variant can be spread to
others even if you are vaccinated. This is different from previous variants. In response to the
potential for fully vaccinated people to transmit COVID-19, the CDC updated guidance in July 2021
to recommend that fully vaccinated people wear a mask indoors in counties where community
transmission is "substantial" or "high".
Masks or cloth face coverings should NOT be placed on children under age 2, or anyone who has
trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the covering
without assistance. Medical considerations, including sensory concerns and respiratory
conditions, mean some individuals are not able to wear a mask or face covering safely. Wearing a
mask may be dangerous or stressful for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Local health departments and school-based health care providers are encouraged to review the
CDC’s specific feasibility and adaptation guidance to find alternatives.
8Face Coverings
Additional resources:
WI Department of Public Instruction - COVID-19 Infection Control and Mitigation 2021/22
CDC - Your Guide to Masks
9Physical Distancing
CDC recommends schools maintain at least three feet of physical distance between students within
classrooms, combined with indoor mask wearing, to reduce risk of spreading the virus. When it
is not possible to maintain a physical distance of at least three feet it is especially important to layer
multiple prevention strategies (see p. 2).
Recommendations:
• Students should maintain at least 3 feet of physical distance between other students
within classrooms
• Teachers and staff should maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance between themselves
and students and other teachers/staff.
• If a school elects to cohort students in small groups, the school should not group people who
are fully vaccinated and people who are not fully vaccinated into separate cohorts. (See more
about cohorting below*)
• Schools should not exclude students from in-person learning to keep a minimum distance
requirement. When it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of at least 3 feet, schools
should layer multiple prevention strategies.
Other strategies to help maintain physical distancing include, but are not limited to, staggered
arrival/departure times and increased use of outdoor space for instruction. Please refer to DPI and
CDC for more specific options.
*Cohorting means keeping people together in a small group and having each group stay together
throughout an entire day. Cohorting can limit the number of students, teachers, and staff who
come in contact with each other. The use of cohorting can limit the spread of COVID-19 but should
not replace other prevention measures within the school. Schools must ensure that cohorting is
done in an equitable manner that does not perpetuate academic, racial, or other tracking, as
described in the U.S. Department of Education COVID-19 Handbook, Volume 1.
Physical distancing and quarantine
People who are a close contact after someone tests positive for COVID-19 will need to quarantine.
Fully vaccinated individuals do not need to quarantine if they are not having symptoms. The
ECCCHD will be asking that students and staff follow a 14-day quarantine.
10Classroom, Lunchroom, and Library
Guidance
Classroom Settings
Space students at least three feet apart when possible. When distanced 3+ feet apart,
students will not need to quarantine if both students are masked. Students closer than
3 feet will need to quarantine, even if masked. Read the CDC definition of a close
contact in an indoor classroom.
Turn tables and desks to face in the same direction (rather than facing each other), or
have your children sit on only one side of your tables, spaced apart, particularly at
mealtimes.
Modify your learning stations and activities to keep students physically distanced.
Layered mitigation strategies are important: masking, ventilation, hand washing &
respiratory etiquette, and other strategies all increase safety.
Food Service and School Meals
Maximize physical distance as much as possible when moving through the food service
line and while eating (especially when indoors).
Stagger recess and lunch hours to avoid contact between cohorts
Explore the use of alternate spaces (e.g., classroom, outdoors, gymnasium) for
eating breakfast and lunch
If alternate spaces are not available, ensure classroom groups sit together in
lunchrooms
Distance students 6 feet if possible
Have assigned seats and take attendance daily
Given the low risk of transmission from surfaces and shared objects, there is no need
to limit food service approaches to single use items and packaged meals.
Clean frequently touched surfaces. Surfaces that come in contact with food should be
washed, rinsed, and sanitized before and after meals.
Promote hand washing before, after, and during shifts, before and after eating, after
using the toilet, and after handling garbage, dirty dishes, or removing gloves.
Improve ventilation in food preparation, service, and seating areas.
Libraries
Please visit DPI's COVID-19 Information for Wisconsin School Libraries for up-to-date
information. School districts should make quarantine decisions based on the needs of
their schools and community. Current research indicates that books are not a high risk for
transmitting COVID-19 when treated with appropriate precautions. The Wisconsin Public
Library Reopening Guide quarantine information may also be useful for making decisions.
Call (844) 342-6276
to schedule an
appointment
General recommendations:
Pick-up and drop-off and/or delivery of materials needs to have a system emphasizing
safety and wellness. Call (844) 342-6276
to schedule an
alls, WI 5472
Consider flow of traffic through library space, distancing while checking out, and
appointment
assigned seats/attendance for contact tracing purposes.
Follow cleaning procedures outlined by CDC. Call your primary
care provider/clinic
If quarantining books, the recommended amount of time is 24 hours.or (715) 838-5025
to be screened
Make an
appointment
through
myprevea.com
11Recess Recommendations
Recess is a critically important part of the school day for students. It provides an opportunity for
socialization, physical activity, and time spent outdoors. Layering multiple prevention strategies
such as those outlined below will help to keep this time as safe as possible. This is not an
exhaustive list and schools should continue to revisit their practices throughout the year.
Cohort students when at recess
Create a schedule that staggers recess over the course of the school
day with a reduced number of students.
Make it a priority to keep recess restricted to classroom cohorts and
not allow several classrooms or grades to have recess together.
Cleaning and Hygiene
Have students wash hands or use hand sanitizer that contains at least
60% alcohol before and after recess.
Have plans in place to clean frequently used playground equipment
(balls, toys, etc.) at least daily.
Outdoor areas
Spraying cleaning products or disinfectants outdoors, such as on
sidewalks, roads, or groundcover is not effective or recommended.
High-touch surfaces made of plastic or metal, such as grab bars,
play structures, and railings, should be cleaned regularly.
Cleaning and disinfection of wooden surfaces (such as wood play
structures, benches, tables) is not recommended.
Physical Distancing
Create an environment that prioritizes a six foot distance between
students.
Keep distance between cohorted groups of students.
In general, people do not need to wear masks when outdoors (e.g.,
participating in outdoor play, recess, and physical education activities).
However, particularly in areas of substantial to high transmission levels,
people who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to wear a mask in
crowded outdoor settings or during activities that involve sustained
close contact with other people who are not fully vaccinated. When
physical education activities or recess are held indoors, it is particularly
important to wear masks and maximize distance when possible.
Immediately remove a face covering if it is causing trouble breathing.
12Bus Safety
CDC’s requirement for face masks applies to all public transportation, including school buses.
Passengers and drivers must wear a mask on school buses, including on buses operated by
public and private school systems, regardless of vaccination status, subject to the exclusions and
exemptions in CDC’s requirement. Learn more here.
Follow the recommendations below to reduce risk of spreading illness on buses:
Wear cloth face
Increase distance between
covering, unless medically
riders. Clean regularly and
unsafe to do so, as required
disinfect as needed.
by the CDC.
Assign seats and take Open windows as
attendance daily. Remind weather allows to
families to keep sick kids increase air circulation.
home.
13Visitors, Extracurriculars, and Family/School Events
Visitors & Family/School Activities
Schools should review their rules for visitors and family engagement activities.
Limit nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups or organizations with
people who are not fully vaccinated, particularly in areas where there is substantial or high COVID-
19 community transmission.
Schools should not limit access for direct service providers, but can ensure compliance with school
visitor polices.
Continue to emphasize the importance of staying home when sick. Anyone, including visitors, who
have symptoms of infectious illness, such as flu or COVID-19, should stay home and seek testing.
Sports and Other Extracurricular Activities
Due to increased exhalation that occurs during physical activity, some sports can put players,
coaches, trainers, and others who are not fully vaccinated at increased risk for getting and spreading
COVID-19. Close contact sports and indoor sports are particularly risky. Similar risks might exist for
other extracurricular activities, such as band, choir, theater, and school clubs that meet indoors.
Masks, distancing, and contact tracing, along with additional mitigation strategies, are important.
Students should refrain from these activities and get tested when they have symptoms consistent with
COVID-19. See WIAA COVID Guidelines for current guidance for sporting events.
Additional Considerations:
In general, the risk of COVID-19 transmission is lower when outdoors compared to indoor settings,
and when people spend shorter amounts of time together. Consider the ability to keep physical
distancing throughout the event
Spread of COVID-19 is more likely to occur events or activities that require sustained close contact
and activities that lead to increased exhalation (such as singing, shouting, band, and exercise)
Risk of spread increases with:
increasing numbers of attendees
intensity of the activity, such as certain sports/physical activities and singing
the more time attendees/participants/coaches/staff spend in close proximity or in indoor group
settings. This includes time spent traveling to/from events, meetings, meals, and other settings
related to the event
People at increased risk of severe illness might need to take extra precautions
In the event that contact tracing needs to happen, make sure you've thought through how to
document where people were, when, for how long, etc.
Have hand soap and water or hand sanitizer available, make sure tissues are available, post signs
with reminders about how to stop the spread of COVID-19
14Before & After School Care Recommendations
CDC provides COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs.
Since most childcare programs work with children under 12 who are not yet eligible for the
COVID-19 vaccine, multiple prevention strategies are recommended.
CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12
schools, regardless of vaccination status. In crowded outdoor settings masks are recommended.
Learn more here.
Promote vaccination among staff, families, and children over 12.
Maintain 6 feet of distance. In classroom settings, students should be at least 3 feet apart.
Increase ventilation: open windows if it's safe to do so. Learn more here.
Group kids in cohorts based on the way the school is creating cohorts. Teacher should stay
with the same cohorts.
Increase cleaning, especially high touch surfaces like tables, toys and door knobs.
Play outside as much as possible. Maintain cohorts if feasible in outdoor play spaces.
Work with the school to establish symptom monitoring plans and keep a list of student
attendance each day.
Increase hygiene practices like frequent hand washing, using tissues, and coughing or
sneezing into an elbow. Hang flyers by handwashing stations.
15Isolation, Quarantine, and Close Contacts
The WI DHS has published the Guidelines for Investigation of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Schools to
provide schools and health departments guidance for isolation, quarantine, and contact tracing. This
guidance explicitly states that students and staff who are not fully vaccinated, do not have symptoms,
and are either not tested or test negative MUST quarantine for 14 days. ECCCHD will be referring to
this guide for cases in schools.
Classroom Setup and Masking:
Determine if the classroom was arranged such that students were able to maintain at least 3 feet of
distancing between themselves at all times and teachers were able to maintain 6 feet of distancing at
all times.
If desks are placed six feet apart, students remain at their desks throughout the duration of
class, and the teacher remains at the front of the class at least 6 feet away from any students,
there would be no close contacts identified in the classroom.
If desks are placed at least three feet apart, students are universally masked, remain at their
desks throughout the duration of class, the teacher remains at the front of the class at least 6 feet
away from any students, and other school prevention strategies are in place, there would be no
close contacts identified in the classroom.
If the classroom is arranged such that students are moving freely throughout the classroom
without maintaining at least a three-foot distance and interacting with the teacher, all
students and the teacher would be considered close contacts.
Student Age
A student’s ability to maintain physical distance in a classroom and avoid other forms of close contact
with students, teachers, and staff will vary considerably with age. Elementary-aged children may not
be able to maintain strict physical distancing, and case interviews may not reliably identify close
contacts. In these circumstances, classrooms or cohorts may be quarantined instead of individual
students. Middle or high school-aged youth may be better able to maintain some level of physical
distancing and identify contacts. It's possible that not all individuals in the classroom may meet the
definition of a close contact. However, due to the movement of students to multiple classrooms
throughout the day, many students may be identified as close contacts if distancing and masking are
not adhered to.
Level of Cohorting
Cohorting can limit the number of students, teachers, and staff who need to quarantine following the
identification of a case of COVID-19 in the school. When working to identify close contacts, consider
whether students were kept in a single cohort during classes (including art, music, etc.), lunch periods,
recess, parent pick-up and drop-off, bus stops and busing, carpools, sports teams, extracurricular
activities, and social groups outside of school.
16Staying Home When Sick
Anyone experiencing symptoms of any illness should stay home from school. Schools should not allow
staff or students to work or study in-person while sick or if they have been identified as a close contact
of someone with COVID-19. See Identifying Close Contacts for help determining who must be
considered a close contact. Requiring two negative test results before allowing a student to return to
school is not recommended.
Steps to Take:
Students (or parents/guardians of young students), teachers, and staff should monitor themselves
(or their children) for symptoms of illness (p. 47 on the link) every day before attending school.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 are expected to stay home and get tested, regardless
of vaccination status.
Students, teachers, and staff who are not fully vaccinated must stay home to quarantine after
exposure to someone with COVID-19, per WI DHS guidance for preventing outbreaks (p.28).
Fully vaccinated people who do not have COVID-19 symptoms do not need to quarantine, but
should get tested 3-5 days after an exposure to someone with COVID-19 and wear a mask in all
public indoor settings for 14 days after exposure, or until a negative test result.
Share information with staff and families:
What to Do If You Are Sick
What to do if a Student Becomes Sick or Reports a New COVID-19 Diagnosis at School
Teachers and staff can help by monitoring students for overt symptoms of illness during the school
day, and following the steps outlined in Exclusion from In-person Instruction. Getting tested for
COVID-19 will help with rapid contact tracing and prevent possible spread at schools.
17Ventilation
Schools should implement as many strategies as possible to maximize ventilation in the school.
Improving ventilation should not be a stand-alone prevention measure, but rather layered with other
prevention measures (e.g., masking, physical distancing). Bringing fresh outdoor air into a building
helps keep virus particles from concentrating inside
Recommendations:
Bring in as much outdoor air as safely possible.
Open windows and doors.
Use child-safe fans in open windows, blowing outward to exhaust indoor air and draw outdoor
air into the room via other open windows and doors.
Consider having activities, classes, or lunches outdoors.
Ensure Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) settings are maximizing ventilation.
Make sure HVAC systems are serviced regularly.
Set HVAC systems to bring in as much outdoor air as your system will safely allow.
Increase the HVAC system’s total airflow supply to occupied spaces.
Consider running the HVAC system at maximum outside airflow for 2 hours before and after
the building is occupied.
Filter and/or clean the air in your school.
Improve the level of air filtration as much as possible without significantly reducing airflow.
Make sure the filters are sized, installed, and replaced according to manufacturer’s
instructions.
Consider portable air cleaners that use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, especially in
higher-risk areas (e.g., nurse’s office).
Consider using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), especially where options for increasing
ventilation and filtration are limited.
Use exhaust fans in restrooms and kitchens.
Open or crack windows in buses and other transportation when it is safe to do so.
Additional Resources:
ASHRAE Reopening Schools and Universities C19 Guidance
CDC’s Ventilation in Schools and Childcare Programs
CDC’s Ventilation in Buildings webpage
CDC’s Ventilation FAQs
EPA Important Resources: Cleaning, Disinfection and Ventilation in Schools
18Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette
Practice proper handwashing and respiratory etiquette to keep from getting and spreading infectious
illnesses including COVID-19. Schools can monitor and reinforce these behaviors and ensure that
handwashing and hand sanitizer supplies are readily available throughout the school for staff and
student use. Review the CDC, DPI, and Hand Hygiene at School for additional information.
Recommendations
Teach and reinforce handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Build time into daily routines for students and staff to wash hands, especially at key times like after
bathroom breaks, before lunch, or after playing outside. Wash hands BEFORE and AFTER:
Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
Touching your mask
Entering and leaving a public place
Touching an item or surface that may be frequently touched by other people, such as door
handles, tables, etc.
When handwashing is not possible, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol (for teachers,
staff, and older students who can safely use hand sanitizer). Hand sanitizers should be stored up,
away, and out of sight of young children and should be used only with adult supervision for children
under 6 years of age.
Teach and remind students how and when to properly wash their hands, how to wear a mask or
face covering, and how to cover coughs and sneezes to minimize droplet and aerosol particle
spread.
19Recommendations for Cleaning & Disinfecting
Cleaning and promoting hand hygiene are important everyday actions schools can take to slow the
spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases and protect students and staff.
Cleaning with products containing soap or detergent reduces germs on surfaces by removing
contaminants and decreases risk of infection from surfaces. When no people with confirmed or
suspected COVID-19 are known to have been in a space, cleaning once a day is usually enough to
sufficiently remove virus that may be on surfaces. Disinfecting (using U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA)’s List N disinfectants) kills any remaining germs on surfaces, which further reduces the
risk of spreading infection.
Recommendations:
Clean the school daily.
If the facility has had someone who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 24 hours, clean
AND disinfect the space. Learn how to clean and disinfect after a confirmed COVID-19 case.
Consider more frequent cleaning or disinfecting shared spaces under the following circumstances:
o High transmission of COVID-19 in the community.
o Low vaccination rates in the community.
o Infrequent use of other prevention measures.
o The space is occupied by people at increased risk for severe illness
Question Answer
What cleaning procedures need to Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least
take place when one group of daily or between use by different students. To learn more
students leaves a room and another read Cleaning and Disinfecting in School Classrooms.
group comes in?
How often does recess Frequently touched equipment (such as balls, toys, etc.)
equipment need to be cleaned? should be cleaned daily. High-touch surfaces made of
plastic or metal should be cleaned regularly. Washing
hands before and after recess and cleaning frequently
touched objects is recommended.
What should be cleaned daily? High-touch surfaces should be cleaned at least once a day.
More frequent cleaning might be needed when the space
is occupied by young children and others who may not
consistently wear masks, wash hands, or cover coughs and
sneezes.
How do I clean after a suspected Read Cleaning and Disinfecting After a Confirmed COVID-
or confirmed case of COVID-19? 19 Case, which highlights what areas to disinfect, what
products to use, and more.
20Resources for Schools
CDC: Schools and Childcare Programs
Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools
Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility
Science Brief: Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in K-12 schools
WI Department of Health Services:
COVID-19: Schools
Guidelines for the Prevention, Investigation, and Control of COVID-19
Outbreaks in K-12 Schools in Wisconsin
COVID-19: K-12 School Testing Program
Post-Vaccination Guidance for Schools
COVID-19: Language, Graphic, and Print Resources
COVID-19: Vaccine Partner Resources
COVID-19: Resources for Parents and Guardians
Back to School for Parents and Families
WI DPI Information on COVID-19
Interim COVID-19 Infection Control and Mitigation Measures for Schools
Logistical Considerations for Hosting School-located COVID-19 Vaccination
Clinics for Students
COVID-19 Testing in Schools
Interim COVID-19 Transportation Guidance --updated in April
Interim COVID-19 Cafeterias and Food Service Guidance
Eau Claire County COVID-19 Information Hub
Schools Page
Vaccine Information
Staying Safe in Your Community
21You can also read
