Wayne County well being division recommends masks at Ok-12 faculties for two weeks

(CBS DETROIT) – The Wayne County Division of Public Well being recommends masks in Ok-12 faculties for at the least two weeks.

The division says the advice comes after the vacation season resulted in elevated journey and indoor gatherings amid the unfold of COVID-19, the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and different viruses. within the U.S.

Well being officers say the masks are voluntary and non permanent.

“The return of winter break presents an elevated danger of transmission within the faculty setting of not solely COVID-19 but additionally different respiratory viruses. Together with vaccination, masks stay an efficient instrument to guard towards the unfold of those respiratory viruses,” the division stated in a information launch.

Based on the US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, Wayne County is at medium danger for COVID-19.

To cut back the unfold of illness, the division recommends the next:

• Everybody 6 months and older ought to get a COVID-19 and flu vaccine and obtain an up to date COVID-19 booster as quickly as doable. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are the only simplest safety towards severe sickness and demise.
• Keep house if you end up sick and keep away from being round different folks, particularly younger youngsters and folks liable to severe sickness. Put on a masks once you can’t separate your self from others.
• When you’ve got examined optimistic for COVID-19, please keep house for at the least 5 days and put on a masks in public or with others for at the least 10 days.
• Preserve a provide of COVID-19 assessments at house. Take a look at when you might have signs, 5 days after being uncovered to somebody with COVID-19, earlier than or after journey or gatherings, or earlier than visiting somebody at increased danger.
• Contact a well being care supplier should you check optimistic for the flu or COVID-19. Chances are you’ll be eligible for therapy choices that cut back your danger of being hospitalized.
• Wash your fingers properly and sometimes.
• Cowl your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your higher arm.
• Clear and disinfect continuously touched surfaces, particularly when somebody is sick.

In Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor Public Colleges require masks for 2 weeks. The district says the mandate comes after a spike in respiratory sicknesses.

A letter from Superintendent Jeanie Swift urges college students and employees to remain house in the event that they expertise signs.