Q&A ON CORONAVIRUSES (COVID-19):

• What is a coronavirus?

  Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.

• What is COVID-19?

  COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

• What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

  The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. About 2% of people with the disease have died. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

• How does COVID-19 spread?

  People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay away from a person who is sick.

• Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be transmitted through the air?

  Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air. See previous answer on “How does COVID-19 spread?

• Can COVID-19 be caught from a person who has no symptoms?

  The main way the disease spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is coughing. The risk of catching COVID-19 from someone with no symptoms at all is very low. However, many people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms. This is particularly true at the early stages of the disease. It is therefore possible to catch COVID-19 from someone who has, for example, just a mild cough and does not feel ill. WHO is assessing ongoing research on the period of transmission of COVID-19 and will continue to share updated findings.

• Can I catch COVID-19 from the feces of someone with the disease?

  The risk of catching COVID-19 from the feces of an infected person appears to be low. While initial investigations suggest the virus may be present in feces in some cases, spread through this route is not a main feature of the outbreak. WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways COVID-19 is spread and will continue to share new findings? Because this is a risk, however, it is another reason to clean hands regularly, after using the bathroom and before eating.

• What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease?

  Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through the national and local public health authority. COVID-19 is still affecting mostly people in China with some outbreaks in other countries. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:

  • Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
  • Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
  • Maintain 2 meters distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
  • Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
  • Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
  • Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
  • Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
  • Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
  • Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
  • Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

  Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading

  • Follow the guidance outlined above. (Protection measures for everyone)
  • Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover.
  • Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
  • If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers.
  • Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

• How likely am I to catch COVID-19?

  The risk depends on where you live or where you have travelled recently. The risk of infection is higher in areas where a number people have been diagnosed with COVID-19. More than 95% of all COVID-19 cases are occurring in China, with the majority of those in Hubei Province. For people in most other parts of the world, your risk of getting COVID-19 is currently low, however, it’s important to be aware of the situation and preparedness efforts in your area.

• Should I worry about COVID-19?

  If you are not in an area where COVID-19 is spreading, or if you have not travelled from one of those areas or have not been in close contact with someone who has and is feeling unwell, your chances of getting it are currently low. However, it’s understandable that you may feel stressed and anxious about the situation. It’s a good idea to get the facts to help you accurately determine your risks so that you can take reasonable precautions. Your healthcare provider, your national public health authority and your employer are all potential sources of accurate information on COVID-19 and whether it is in your area. It is important to be informed of the situation where you live and take appropriate measures to protect yourself. (See Protection measures for everyone).

  If you are in an area where there is an outbreak of COVID-19 you need to take the risk of infection seriously. Follow the advice issued by national and local health authorities. Although for most people COVID-19 causes only mild illness, it can make some people very ill. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. Older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes) appear to be more vulnerable.

• Who is at risk of developing severe illness?

  While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others.

• Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating the COVID-19?

  No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of COVID-19. They should only be used as directed by a physician to treat a bacterial infection.

• Should I wear a mask to protect myself?

  People with no respiratory symptoms, such as cough, do not need to wear a medical mask. WHO recommends the use of masks for people who have symptoms of COVID-19 and for those caring for individuals who have symptoms, such as cough and fever? The use of masks is crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone (at home or in a health care facility).

  WHO advises rational use of medical masks to avoid unnecessary wastage of precious resources and miss-use of masks? Use a mask only if you have respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing), have suspected COVID-19 infection with mild symptoms, or are caring for someone with suspected COVID-19 infection. A suspected COVID-19 infection is linked to travel in areas where cases have been reported, or close contact with someone who has travelled in these areas and has become ill.

  The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing. For more information, see basic protective measures against the new coronavirus.

• How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?

  The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days. These estimates will be updated as more data become available.

• Can humans become infected with the COVID-19 from an animal source?

  Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in animals. Rarely, people get infected with these viruses which may then spread to other people. For example, SARS-CoV was associated with civet cats and MERS-CoV is transmitted by dromedary camels. Possible animal sources of COVID-19 have not yet been confirmed.

  To protect yourself, such as when visiting live animal markets, avoid direct contact with animals and surfaces in contact with animals. Ensure good food safety practices at all times. Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care to avoid contamination of uncooked foods and avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products.

• Can I catch COVID-19 from my pet?

  No. There is no evidence that companion animals or pets such as cats and dogs have been infected or could spread the virus that causes COVID-19.

• How long does the virus survive on surfaces?

  It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).

  If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

• Is it safe to receive a package from any area where COVID-19 has been reported?

  Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low.

• The following measures ARE NOT effective against COVID-2019 and can be harmful:

   

  • Smoking
  • Taking traditional herbal remedies
  • Wearing multiple masks
  • Taking self-medication such as antibiotics

  In any case, if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early to reduce the risk of developing a more severe infection and be sure to share your recent travel history with your health care provider.

   

VACCINE PROTOCOL & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS TO RETURN TO SCHOOL:

• A. PCR Testing Requirements:

• WHO IS EXPECTED TO TAKE A COVID-19 PCR TEST?

  As per MOH directives, all children aged 12 and above who are not vaccinated are required to show a valid negative PCR test result not later than 72 hours to enter the school and a copy of the result must be submitted to the class teacher.

  Therefore, every Sunday morning, the negative PCR test result must be produced to the class teacher and the day of taking the PCR Test should not be prior to Friday for a student who wishes to attend the classes on Sunday.

  In addition to students, staff will also require valid negative PCR test results to access the school and take classes if they are not vaccinated.

• HOW OFTEN WILL MY CHILDREN BE TESTED?

  We are committed to the health and safety of our school community. Therefore, to identify any infections in a timely manner, all students aged 12 and above, teachers and support staff will have to be tested every week if they are not vaccinated.

  In addition, following travel outside Kuwait anything during the academic year, students aged 12+, teachers and all support staff will be required to have a PCR with 72 hours maximum validity if they are not vaccinated.

  Any changes and updates on the PCR testing may change based on the health situation and will be communicated throughout email.

• WHEN AND WHERE SHOULD I TAKE MY CHILDREN FOR A PCR TEST?

  Those above the age of 12 and are not vaccinated must take a PCR test in clinics authorized by the ministry of Health (MOH) Kuwait.

• 
  B. Approved Vaccine Requirements:
  
  

  For the safety of the Scholl community, all staff in our school have been vaccinated. We encourage you to play your part by choosing to vaccinate your children for their wellbeing and the well-being of all others in school.

• ARE VACCINES REQUIRED FOR ALL CHILDREN?

  Students in the age group 4 to 11 do not have to be vaccinated as per Kuwait MOH regulations.

  Students aged 12 and above must be vaccinated (completed 28 days after the second doze, with a Kuwait approved vaccine) to enter the school premises if they wish to attend school physically according to local health authorities.

  If they have already started their vaccination journey (1^st dose completed) they will be allowed to return to Scholl and attend face to face classes.

  The vaccination status must be verified on the campus App.

  Student aged 12+ can access the school premises if they are exempted from vaccination. However, the exemption certificate issued by the competent authority should be submitted to the class teacher.

  Parents can take a screen shot of the exemption certificated from the immune App and submit a copy of it to the class teacher on the first day of the student attending the class.

  Exemptions should be verified by the teacher or the school nurse on Immune App, or through an official letter form MOH Kuwait.

  If your child turns 12 during the academic year, they are required to take the first dose of the vaccine within 4 weeks of turning 12 and they must complete the second dose on time.

• WHAT IF YOUR CHILD AGED 12+ IS NOT VACCINATED?

  They will only be allowed to enter the school on the day of any high-stakes exam, with proof of a valid negative PCR test.

  The validity of the PCR test is 72 hours.

  If you do not send your child to school for an exam, this might have negative consequences on your child’s academic achievement.

• WHERE CAN I GET MY CHILD VACCINATED?

  Please check the list of facilities and details on the MOH website.

  Kuwait accepts vaccines as listed in the MOH’s website. If your children has been vaccinated outside Kuwait, please ensure that they carry a proof of vaccination to the school until a system is launched to verify and integrate international vaccination records with Immune App.

• WHAT IF MY CHILDREN TRAVELLED OUTSIDE KUWAIT AND I CHOSE A PHYSICAL RETURN TO SCHOOL:

  You must ensure they follow the quarantine/testing requirements set forth by MOH Kuwait. Refer to MOH website for details.

• HOW WILL MY CHOLDREN’S SAFETY BE MANAGED AT SCHOOL?

  Our school maintain the strictest safety measures in accordance with instructions we have received from MOH and MOE Kuwait.

  In addition to this MOH will conduct regular inspections and monitoring to ensure school’s compliance of the following measures which include :

  • Physical Distancing
  • Wearing masks
  • Using sanitizer
  • Moving to distance learning in case COVID-19 cases are detected.