From Your School Nurse 

Social Distancing 

Students, parents and school staff are hearing about “Social Distancing”, as the country attempts to manage the Covid-19 (Corona) Virus. But what exactly is Social Distancing and why is it so important? Parents may wonder, “my student misses their friends, do they really need to stay away from them if no one is sick?” 

Social distancing is a public health measure that’s implemented by Health Officials during highly contagious outbreaks. Covid-19 is a respiratory virus that is expelled by a person when they cough and sneeze. In addition, when a person coughs or sneezes in their hand or wipes their nose, then touches objects like tables, phone or door handles, the virus is transferred to that object and another person can pick up the virus and become infected. 

It has been found that many people have the virus but experience minimal to no symptoms. A teenager may think they are well, when in fact they have the virus and are contagious. It is very important for all members of a family to practice social distancing when advised by health officials. This protects the members of the family and other people who they may meet. 

How do we practice Social Distancing? The CDC recommends: 

Staying 6 feet from another person 

Parents encourage older children to hang out in a small group and to meet outside rather than inside 

If you have small meetups, consider hanging out with another family or friend who is also taking extra measures to put distance between themselves and others (social distancing). 

Remember, if children meet outside of school in bigger groups, it can put everyone at risk. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me for questions or concerns 

Respectfully, 

Francis Leonard RN,   

mleonard@helenaschools.org