Families asked to avoid large gatherings to slow spread of COVID-19
The Hamilton County Health Department has partnered with area school districts to launch an educational campaign designed to keep kids in school. Called “Show Some C.L.A.S.S Keep Kids in School,” the campaign outlines five basic rules families should follow to help keep children healthy and in the classroom:
C – Check your child’s temperature every morning before sending them to school.
L – Lead by example. Let your child see you wearing a mask and modeling good social distancing.
A – Avoid large gatherings. Slumber parties, carpools and birthday parties are discouraged.
S – Schedule a test if you or someone in your family exhibits signs of COVID-19.
S – Stay home until you receive your test results or if you are not feeling well.
“We are confident with the safety measures the schools have put into place and believe there are few places, besides home, where a child is safer,” said Jim Ginder, Health Education Specialist for the Hamilton County Health Department. “However, there is only so much your school can do to protect your child. The onus is on each and every one of us to keep COVID-19 out of our school buildings.”
The health department has been tracking a significant spike in new COVID-19 cases among children – especially teens – since July 4. According to the Indiana State Department of Health, children up to age 19 accounted for just 5 percent of the positive cases on July 4. That percentage has more than tripled to 18.5 percent of new cases this week. The surge is due in large part to what are called “super spreader events” – social gatherings like graduations, weddings, and family reunions.
“It’s on all of us to make sure our schools don’t become super spreaders,” said Christian Walker, emergency preparedness coordinator for the health department. “We’re encouraging families with students in school to self-isolate as much as possible. Reconsider hosting or attending crowded events. Keep your social circles small and postpone big milestones. Limiting a child’s exposure to COVID-19 outside of school will help limit transmission within our school buildings.”
The Health Department is working closely with the public and private school systems in Hamilton County to educate K-12 students about the C.L.A.S.S. acronym. The campaign, which launched last week, will enlist the help of student ambassadors, teachers, coaches and parent-teacher organizations. If you are interested in learning more, visit showsomeclass.org.