COVID-19 Resources
NCSSS is closely monitoring the unfolding coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and has created this page to keep members updated on the latest developments, especially those that impact the education and STEM communities.
Latest News & Resources
CDC has released new guidance on keeping children healthy while schools are closed. The guidance includes steps to protect children from getting sick, information about social activities while schools are closed, and recommendations to help children continue learning. Learn more.
For more information, see all of CDC’s schools-based guidance:
- Guidance for Schools and Childcare Programs
- Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs
- Considerations for School Closures
- K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs FAQs for Administrators, Teachers, and Parents
- Talking with Children about COVID-19-- Messages for parents, school staff, and others working with children
- Checklist for Teachers and Parents
- Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
U.S. Department of Education Resources:
School Nurses Resources:
Read the NCSSS blog for tips and resources on distance learning.
What is Coronavirus, or COVID-19?
Coronaviruses are a group of related viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, coronaviruses cause respiratory tract infections that are typically mild, such as some cases of the common cold (among other possible causes, predominantly rhinoviruses), though rarer forms can be lethal, such as SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. Source: Wikipedia
On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan, China. The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, 'CO' stands for 'corona,' 'VI' for 'virus,' and 'D' for disease. There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused be a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. Source: CDC