Preparing for COVID-19

Like McDonald’s or political ads, Coronavirus is seemingly everywhere. While we certainly aren’t health experts, we do think a lot about policy and how schools can prepare for COVID-19 in their community. Over the next few weeks, we are going to look at a few different ways to prepare your policies and procedures for the virus or public health incidents generally. This week, we’ll begin our series by looking at your crisis management policy.

The CDC believes that the most important step that schools can take at this time is to plan and prepare for possible community transmission. Informing your stakeholders of ways to reduce the spread of the virus can help in that preparation. Make sure that your Crisis Management Policy outlines which roles will assist with those communications. Don’t forget to include strategies for sharing information with staff, students, and their families.

Next, consider your response to cases in the community. Currently, schools around the world are closing if local health authorities believe that it would be a useful step to contain community transmission. If your school is required to close, consider how the public will be informed. In addition to reviewing how you will post information, check that your policy designates a media spokesperson. Make sure that the spokesperson is properly trained on information they can discuss publicly without violating privacy laws.

Finally, consider your recovery process once students return to school. Depending on the severity of the outbreak, many community members could be impacted. Determine who will assist in assessing the emotional needs of students and staff if someone in the community succumbs to COVID-19. You may want to consider forming partnerships with local mental health agencies and faith groups. Additionally, check to see if your crisis management policy includes procedures for acquiring counseling help from outside sources or adjusting school activity due to extended crises.