Pandemic Plan

Pandemic is defined as a disease affecting or attacking the population of an extensive region, including several countries, and/or continent(s). Pandemics occur when a new virus, such as Influenza or the new Corona Virus or COVID-19, emerge for which people have little or no immunity, and for which there is no vaccine. The disease spreads easily person-to-person, causes serious illness, and can sweep across the country and around the world in very short period of time. There is no pandemic at this time.

The response to, and mitigation of the health and social consequences of a pandemic will take place at both the state and local levels, with the New Jersey Department of Health assuming the lead for the public health response. Based on studies of past pandemics, the most effective approach seemed to be when actions were taken early and quickly. Cities and jurisdictions that responded faster and with more layered protective measures fared better.

In order to rapidly respond to just about any crisis situations, all Sayreville Public Schools have updated Emergency Crisis Management Plans. Such plans encompass all hazards, including pandemics. The following Sayreville Schools Pandemic Management Plan is an addendum to the districts’ Emergency Crisis Management Plan. It is purposefully designed to be a plan with specific steps to address the unique challenges that could rapidly unfold if a pandemic were to afflict a school, the district, county or state.

These include:

Planning, coordination, and evaluation.
Continuity of student learning and core operations.
Infection control policies and procedures.
Identification of legal authorities and communications planning.

According to the New Jersey Department of Health Memo (3/2/2020), a Coronavirus pandemic occurs when a new Coronavirus emerges for which people have little or no immunity and for which there is no vaccine. The disease spreads easily from person to person, causes serious illness, and can sweep across the country and around the world in a short time. Coronaviruses are actually quite common and are a frequent cause of respiratory illnesses such as the common cold. They tend to circulate in the fall and winter months. COVID-19 is a new or “novel” Coronavirus which was first identified in 2019 in China and is now infecting people for the first time (which means that people do not have immunity to it). The typical symptoms include cough, fever and shortness of breath. There is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 at this time.

It is not completely clear how COVID-19 is spread person-to-person, but with most respiratory viruses, people are most contagious when they are the sickest. Although there has been some person-to-person spread in the United States, the risk to the general public remains low. In addition, most people who contract the virus will have mild or no symptoms. However, those who are elderly or have compromised immune systems, are the most vulnerable to severe symptoms.

As noted previously, the response to and mitigation of the health and social consequences of a COVID-19 pandemic will take place at both state and local levels with the New Jersey Department of Health assuming the lead for the public health response. Based on studies of past pandemics, the most effective approach seems to be when actions were taken early and quickly. The New Jersey Department of Education will also provide guidance regarding school response in the case of a pandemic. To prepare for possible community transmission of COVID-19, the most important thing for schools to do is plan and prepare. Essentially, it is recommended that public schools:

Develop or revise an outbreak response/pandemic plan and share with stakeholders before an outbreak occurs.
Establish procedures to ensure that students and staff who become sick at school or arrive to school sick, are sent home as soon as possible.
Prepare for the potential of school closures or cancellation of school events.
Prepare to offer home instruction to students.
Implement flexible attendance and sick leave policies.
Establish relationships with local public health officials and identify points of contact.
Create emergency communication plan and maintain up to date contact information for everyone in your communication chain.
Establish leadership team, identify essential staff functions, assign tasks and responsibilities.
Provide information to educate staff, students, and parents on prevention measures.
Monitor current information from health officials.

It is not recommended that schools screen all students or staff to identify cases of COVID-19. However, if a student or staff member presents with symptoms (fever, cough, or difficulty breathing), they should be placed away from others until they can be sent home. Likewise, staff members should be sent home and advised to seek medical advice. Finally, schools must notify their local health department with any questions or concern about an ill student www.localhealth.nj.gov.

See more information on the Coronavirus (COVID)