Message From The Center and Dr. Marino, NYSCSH Medical Director Consultant

Recommendations, guidelines and the knowledge-base itself regarding COVID-19 is changing rapidly. Information shared by agencies and experts can be contradictory and often does not provide detailed guidance for all aspects of school operations. As School Medical Directors, our ability to remain flexible will be critical in the coming months as we continue to provide consultation and leadership to our school communities. Please let us know how we can support you. Email us at nyscsh@monroe2boces.org or use the Online Assistance Form.

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Connect with Us
Subscribe to our Health Information Portal for Medical Directors to receive updates and resources from the Center and NYSED

Connect with Each Other
Like and follow the NYSCSH FB page for additional resources. Join the School Medical Directors FB Group to connect with your colleagues and share your ideas and challenges.

News You Can Use

5/14/20 | New CDC School Decision Tool Released and Schools and Childcare Page Updated
The CDC has updated the Schools and Childcare Programs page with new resources on 5/14/20.

They include the School Decision Tool which can assist administrators in making (re)opening decisions regarding K-12 schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to check with state and local health officials and other partners to determine the most appropriate actions while adjusting to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the local community.

The page has also been reconfigured to include all tools need on one page- including:
5/08/20 | NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) Statement On PPE For 2020-21 School Year

While the COVID-19 pandemic has presented myriad challenges to school athletic administrators, one area of increasing concern is the ability of students to access primary care providers and obtain the required preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) to participate in sports during the upcoming 2020-21 academic year. The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) released a position statement regarding PPE for the 2020-21 school year.

Read the statement here.

NFHS Statement On PPE

Pre-Return Participation Plan

Note: NYSED is currently reviewing health exam requirements to reduce the burden on obtaining new physical examinations. Additional info will be provided when available.
5/03/20 | MMWR Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Pediatric Vaccine Ordering and Administration — United States, 2020

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Pediatric Vaccine Ordering and Administration — United States, 2020 MMWR. 2020;69(early release);439-45.Santoli JM, Lindley MC, DeSilva MB, Kharbanda EO, Daley MF, Galloway L, et al.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a reminder of the importance of vaccination. The identified declines in routine pediatric vaccine ordering and doses administered might indicate that U.S. children and their communities face increased risks for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Parental concerns about potentially exposing their children to COVID-19 during well child visits might contribute to the declines observed (5). To the extent that this is the case, reminding parents of the vital need to protect their children against serious vaccine-preventable diseases, even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, is critical. As social distancing requirements are relaxed, children who are not protected by vaccines will be more vulnerable to diseases such as measles. In response, continued coordinated efforts between health care providers and public health officials at the local, state, and federal levels will be necessary to achieve rapid catch-up vaccination.
5/04/20 | AAP Releases Return to School Considerations
4/14/20 | Updated NYSED Guidance On Working Papers

Professional Organization Resources

American Academy of Pediatrics

American Academy of Family Physicians

American College of Physicians

American Association of Nurse Practitioners

NYSCSH Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Provides answers to questions being sent to the Center and NYSED. This page is updated continuously as new information is provided.

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NYSCSH Hand Sanitizer Resources- Use of Hand Sanitizer in the School Setting

Sample school protocol which includes: product selection, handling, storage, procedures for use, parent, student, and staff education and sample notification form. This resource should be reviewed by your district medical director and school administrator. (3/4/20)

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NYSDOH Health Care Provider Page

This page contains resources for NYS healthcare providers. It includes recorded webinars of the weekly provider updates and other resources.

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ThinkCheckCorrect | Finding, Evaluating and Using Credible Health Information

Your knowledge and expertise make you a key health resource for your school staff, students and families. Take the pledge to #ThinkCheckCorrect and commit to making sure that any information you share is correct, credible and current before sharing it with others and teach others to do the same.

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Please call your local health department for specific guidance regarding the management of students or staff who exhibit symptoms or are diagnosed with 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

Directory of local NYS Department of Health

NYSDOH 2019 Novel Coronavirus Hotline 1-888-364-3065

Last Modified on May 16, 2020

New York State Center for School Health

Supporting Student Success Through Health and Education

Resources

Message From The Center and Dr. Marino, NYSCSH Medical Director Consultant

News You Can Use

5/14/20 | New CDC School Decision Tool Released and Schools and Childcare Page Updated

5/08/20 | NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) Statement On PPE For 2020-21 School Year

5/03/20 | MMWR Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Pediatric Vaccine Ordering and Administration — United States, 2020

5/04/20 | AAP Releases Return to School Considerations

4/14/20 | Updated NYSED Guidance On Working Papers

Professional Organization Resources

NYSCSH Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

NYSCSH Hand Sanitizer Resources- Use of Hand Sanitizer in the School Setting

NYSDOH Health Care Provider Page

ThinkCheckCorrect | Finding, Evaluating and Using Credible Health Information