(WWJ) – As schools continue to return to class this week, students and teachers in Wayne County are being told they should wear masks.
The Wayne County Public Health Division is recommending all people in K-12 schools mask-up during the two-week period when schools restart after the holiday break, as the country sees a spike in COVID-19, flu and RSV.
“The return from winter break is a time of higher risk of transmission in the school-setting for not only COVID-19 but other respiratory viruses ,” WCPHD officials said in a statement posted to the Plymouth-Canton Community School District website on Friday.
“Alongside vaccination, masks continue to be an effective tool to protect against the spread of respiratory viruses. Though Wayne County remains at ‘Medium’ COVID-19 risk, this recommendation anticipates the high risk of respiratory viral transmission that could arise given the unique risks posed by returning to crowded indoor school settings after the gatherings of the holidays.”
Some districts headed back to class last week, while others will be returning to school on Monday. Health officials say “this voluntary, temporary recommendation is about being proactive to reduce the combined impact of higher-than-normal levels of Flu and RSV and new COVID-19 variants.”
In addition, WCPHD strongly urges all individuals and families to follow basic, everyday preventive actions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe:
• Everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated against COVID-19 and Flu and receive the updated COVID-19 booster as soon as possible. Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are the single most effective protection against severe illness and death.
• Stay home when sick and avoid being around others--especially young children and those at risk of severe illness. Wear a mask when unable to separate from others.
• If you have tested positive for COVID-19, stay at home for at least 5 days and wear a mask in public or around other people for at least 10 days.
• Keep a supply of COVID-19 tests at home. Test when you have symptoms, 5 days after being exposed to someone with COVID-19, before/after travel or gatherings, or before visiting someone at higher risk.
• Contact a healthcare provider if you test positive for the Flu or COVID-19. You may be eligible for treatment options that lower your risk of being hospitalized.
• Wash hands well and often.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper arm.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially when someone is ill.
More information on the vaccine and testing clinics is available on the Wayne County website.