NOLA Public Schools COVID-19 Response
NOLA Public Schools takes the health of our students, educators, and staff seriously, and we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure the district and our schools are supported through the duration of the pandemic. The district is continuing to stay on top of updates, collaborate with state and local agencies, and put district resources behind this response. We are also closely collaborating with our school leaders, task force, and community stakeholders on solidifying plans for a safe start to the 2020-2021 school year.
NOLA-PS Updates
- Currently, NOLA-PS has shifted its school model to greatly reduce in-person learning in response to trends in the data used to track the impact of COVID-19 on the school community and the city at large. Find our Roadmap to Reopening and other key resources for schools, parents, and the community here.
- If you missed our Virtual Town Hall on Jan. 13 regarding vaccine distribution and done in partnership with the City of New Orleans and Children’s Hospital, you can view a recording of it here.
- Click here to see NOLA-PS’s COVID Tracker , which documents active cases of COVID-19 within our schools
- The citywide community feeding program is active at 30 school sites across the city. Click here for information .
- Click here for the latest NOLA-PS Statements on COVID-19.
About COVID-19
What is Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. COVID-19 is the name of the disease caused by the coronavirus at the center of this pandemic. Distribution of several vaccines is currently underway.
How does the virus spread?
Health experts are still learning the details about how this new coronavirus spreads. Other coronaviruses spread from an infected person to others through:
- Respiratory droplets produced when coughing and sneezing
- Respiratory droplets produced when coughing and sneezing
- Close personal contact
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
As with all upper respiratory infections, good hygiene habits are the best first line of defense:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Check out this poster for the CDC's tips on washing your hands (English/Spanish/Vietnamese)
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Avoid close contact with those who appear to be ill or have been positively diagnosed
- Stay home or keep your child home when sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces regularly such as countertops, light switches, cellphones, and other areas
- Get an annual flu vaccine - it's not too late!
Resources
- New Orleans COVID-19 FAQ: English/Spanish/Vietnamese
- CDC FAQ on COVID-19 and Children
- CDC Guidance for Schools
Questions?
If you have questions about the coronavirus, please contact the Louisiana Office of Public Health's coronavirus general information line at 1-855-523-2652 during business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The latest information on the coronavirus in the U.S. and worldwide can be found on the CDC website.
