Lists products that meet criteria of the EPA for cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing facilities, equipment, supplies and products.
Rooted in Research: Reducing Virus Transmission, Improving Ventilation and Promoting Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in Schools: Provides a recording of the April 8, 2021 webinar presentation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] that addressed four learning objectives: 1. apply research-based guidance that reflects the latest scientific understanding of COVID-19 transmission; 2. implement layered risk reduction strategies and IAQ management best practices for building operations to reduce the risk of virus exposure and promote healthy indoor air that is foundational to student health, thinking and academic performance; 3. use a variety of tools and calculators to assess ventilation rates in classrooms using a five-step guide and prioritize activities to improve ventilation, increase filter efficiency and supplement with portable air cleaners; and 4. replicate best practices used by a school district champion to establish an IAQ management plan, motivate leadership and fellow team members, and implement the tools and strategies provided to create a healthier environment for students and staff.
Considerations for Case Investigation and Contact Tracing in K-12 Schools and Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Provides most recent revision (8/5/21) to federal guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for K–12 schools and institutions of higher education, including considerations for people fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and situations when K–12 students are not considered close contacts.
Toolkit for Responding to COVID-19 Cases: Provides clear CDC guidance for K-12 school administrators to respond quickly when someone with COVID-19 has been in the school or at a school event. In such instances, case investigation and contact tracing serve as important strategies for reducing the transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. The toolkit includes decision trees/flow charts, and customizable letters, as well as FAQs for isolation and quarantine.
COVID-19 Prevention Guidance for Youth and Student Programs: Outlines the practical application of prevention strategies (e.g. social distancing) to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in youth and student programs. This guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Schools and Childcare Programs.
Guidance for Implementing COVID-19 Prevention Strategies in the Context of Varying Community Transmission Levels and Vaccination Coverage: Provides the scientific basis for updated guidance (07-27-21) from the CDC’s COVID-19 Response Team that local decision-makers should assess the following factors to inform the need for layered prevention strategies across a range of settings: level of SARS-CoV-2 community transmission, health system capacity, vaccination coverage, capacity for early detection of increases in COVID-19 cases, and populations at risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. during June 19–July 23, 2021, COVID-19 cases increased approximately 300% nationally, followed by increases in hospitalizations and deaths, driven by the highly transmissible B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant* of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Although increasing COVID-19 vaccination coverage remains the most effective means to achieve control of the pandemic, additional layered prevention strategies will be needed in the short-term to minimize preventable morbidity and mortality.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Key Preparedness and Response Considerations Fact Sheet: Offers 6 implementation tips to support the use of face masks and PPE in the K-12 learning setting.
Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives: Provides official science-based guidance from the CDC about when and how to wash one’s hands to prevent transmission of COVID-19 and other infections. This website presents clear instructions for students, parents and other caregivers (e.g. school staff), explains the science t