COVID-19 Hotline and Update

In light of the closure of schools through the end of the 2019-2020 school year, our goal continues to be helping students, staff, and community members stay safe and protect their health. The statewide shut-down of school facilities is only effective if we all adhere to social distancing rules, regularly wash hands, and take other precautions as directed by health professionals. The district continues to work in close partnership with the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment to provide accurate information and resources to help keep the community informed. 

COVID-19 Hotline
School nurses are now answering questions about COVID-19 at the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.

• Call the Hotline at 913-715-2819
• The Hotline is available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“Our school nurses have really stepped up to help our community,” Shelby Rebeck, director of health services for the SMSD said. “Their time, expertise, and dedication are very much valued.”

Rebeck shared the following information about the virus:

• Adhere to social distancing recommendations.
• Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever of 100.4 and above with a cough.  If you have symptoms of COVID-19, stay home. If your symptoms are mild, manage them at home.  You should isolate yourself from family members in a separate bedroom and use a separate bathroom.  Your family members should quarantine/stay home for 14 days.
• Being exposed to COVID-19 is not an emergency.  If symptoms worsen and you are unable to manage them at home, contact your healthcare provider, urgent care, local hospital, or 911 for further instructions and/or recommendations.  Be sure to call and make them aware of your symptoms prior to arrival.
• Currently community testing is not available.  Contact your healthcare provider to see if they are affiliated with a private lab that is providing testing.

“We will continue to share updated information to keep our community informed during this time,” Rebeck noted.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent COVID-19 illness is to avoid being exposed. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

There are many ways to protect our immune systems including:

• Eat nutritious foods
• Get enough sleep
• Hydrate
• Decrease stress