Mt. Caesar Elementary School

Coronavirus FAQs and Sites

How is the COVID-19 virus spread?

COVID-19 is primarily spread from person-to-person: 

1. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Closer contact and longer durations of contact increase the risk of getting COVID-19 from someone who is infected.
2. Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
3. These droplets can land in the eyes, noses, or mouths of people nearby (within 6 feet), or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Aerosol-generating procedures (such as those performed in the medical setting) can also spread COVID-19 over further distances. It may also be possible for a person to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it (e.g., a surgace that is contaminated by an infected person's respiratory secretions) and then touching their own eyes, nose, or mouth.  This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. 

 What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

     People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. 

     People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever/chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• Runny nose or nasal congestion
• Muscle or body aches
• Fatigue
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea

When to seek emergency medical attention:

Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

What is the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)?

The Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (Mis-C) is a condition that causes inflammation in many parts of the body. Many children with MIS-C have had the virus that causes COVID-19. 

Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• abdominal pain
• vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Neck pain
• Rash
• Bloodshot eyes
• Feeling extra tired

MIS-C can cause serious illness and require hospitalization, but most children recover with medical care. For more information on MIS-C, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children/mis-c.html

How can I protect myself and others from COVID-19?

There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting sick from COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, and help prevent transmitting infections to others, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• When outside your home, keep a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others. This is known as social distancing.
• Stay home from work or school if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
• Get a flu shot—it is not too late to be protected from flu.

What is isolation?

Isolation is intended for people who are sick. People who are sick with COVID-19 must stay separated from others in order to prevent further spread. Isolation in most cases is voluntary but can also be legally compelled by public health order. People in New Hampshire who are under isolation are also under active monitoring, which means a Public Health Professional reaches out to them daily to ensure they are staying isolated and their symptoms are not progressing.

What is quarantine?

Quarantine is intended for people who are not sick. People who are known to have been exposed to COVID-19 must stay separated from others in order to prevent spread in case they become sick. Quarantine in most cases is voluntary, but can also be legally compelled by public health order. People under self-quarantine for COVID-19 should monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, and notify their provider to consider evaluation and testing.

 Self-Quarantine Guide

Can household members of people under quarantine leave their home?

Yes. Household members of persons under quarantine are not required to stay home. As long as the person under quarantine does not show any symptoms, and the household members are well, those living in the same house as someone on quarantine can leave the home. If the person being quarantined develops illness, household members must then also stay home on quarantine.

What is self-observation?

NH DHHS has created a Self-Observation Guide. This describes that self-observation is important for people who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. If you are told to self-observe, for the 14 days following exposure, do the following:

1. Practice strict respiratory etiquette and hygiene including covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap is not available.
2. Remain alert for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other signs of respiratory illness.
3. If you feel feverish or develop a cough or shortness of breath:
   • Take your temperature.
   • Limit contact with others.
   • Seek health advice, but before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room call ahead and tell the provider or office about your potential exposure to COVID-19 and symptoms.

How can I keep track of all the cases in our area, and the orders in our state as they come in? 

The NH Department of Health and Human Services has a Covid 19 site to help keep you up to date on what is happening in our state.  It features a map with the number of cases in each town in the state, and links to emergency orders as well as a resources page and a FAQ page.