2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Student washing hands with soap and water

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause symptoms of colds. However, the 2019 virus is a “novel” virus that originated in China in late 2019 (hence the name: 2019 Novel Coronavirus). Until recently, this strain of coronavirus only circulated among animals. It now appears to have spread to humans, and can be spread between humans. The abbreviated term for the new coronavirus is COVID-19.

Status of School Districts in Sacramento County

All 13 public schools in Sacramento County, along with most programs offered by the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE), are currently closed. Families are encouraged to visit their local school district’s website for the latest information on re-openings, food distribution schedules, and other information.

This decision to close was not made lightly. In addition to education, schools provide vital support to our communities, and these closures could have a major impact on students, families, and staff.

SCOE is working with Sacramento County Public Health (SCPH) to provide students, families, and the public with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the COVID-19 situation in Sacramento County. All districts are following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and SCPH to keep students and staff safe and healthy, and avoid the spread of rumors and misinformation.

For the latest information, families are encouraged to visit their local school district’s website, the SCPH webpage dedicated to COVID-19, or the CDC website.

Current Understanding of the Virus

Symptoms most commonly include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Headache, sore throat, and runny nose also occur with this virus. (Some people have fewer or no symptoms.)
Spread is most likely from droplets (cough and sneezing).
The CDC considers this a serious public health threat. It is urging members of the public to call their healthcare provider for medical advice if they think they’ve been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms.
Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in 2–14 days after exposure.
For patients who are more severely ill, hospitals can provide supportive care.
It is not yet known whether people carrying the virus but having no symptoms can spread the virus to others.

Resources

COVID-19 Virus

Information on this virus and how to control its spread may change in the following days and weeks. Follow the SCOE and local school district websites, along with these resources, for up-to-date, accurate information:

CDE and CA Health and Human Services Guidance for K–12 Schools

Education Resources/Remote Learning

Enriching the Remote Learning Experience—includes a SCOE-produced video catalog and remote learning resources by subject