What to expect in uncertain times for our schools
As educators, administrators, and staff at colleges and schools around the country continue to work on their safe operating plans, they are dealing with input from parents, governing agencies, health organizations and more. What happens if there's an outbreak? How to balance educating our children, and keeping teachers and students safe and healthy? All these questions, and more, are swirling around, on top of the (way more than daily) updates to COVID-19 symptoms/stats/etc.
Overwhelmed? We understand. We are overwhelmed too, as many of us are parents, or have close connections with those in the educational system. One of the good things, however, is that we're all in this together. What can help? Try thinking about these three main questions when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting. Ask yourself:
What can I control?
What can I do now?
What can I learn from others?
What can I control?
One of the things that's within your control is having adequate PPE (personal protective equipment) and cleaning supplies on hand. Here's a quick checklist of PPE products and supplies that can are good to stock up on for educational facilities and schools:
- Masks—staff and students should have a ready supply of masks on hand.
- Nitrile gloves
- Hand sanitizer and touch-free sanitizer stations throughout the facility
- Disinfectant wipes and dispensers, for use in classrooms, restrooms, gyms and beyond
- Social distancing stickers/labels
- Water bottle filling stations
- Sprayers and disinfectant
Looking for an easy way to stock up? Check out our special cleaning and disinfecting package, just for educators. Click here to learn more. And check out our Four Pillars of Facility Safety for Education, too!
What can I do now?
It's imperative to clean rooms of any trash and clutter, and work with your local and state agencies on any social distancing protocols you may still need to address room by room. It's also time to clean and disinfect these spaces.
Need some help with what to clean and how to clean and disinfect it? Download our free Zogics Clean Guide for Education. We developed step-by-step, space-by-space cleaning and disinfecting protocols (using CDC guidance) to help you adjust to new levels of cleaning.
What can I learn from others?
It's clear that the basics—wearing a mask, good hand hygiene and social distancing—are the keys to keeping your staff and students safe and healthy. We have found that many schools are sharing their protocols online and looking to others can help inform your protocols and processes. You'll also find good cleaning and disinfecting information from the CDC.
As we've all learned, things can change quickly. Being prepared with adequate cleaning and disinfecting supplies, having plans in place for different levels of learning, and keeping the communication lines open between staff, caregivers and students will go a long way to help put the focus back on education.
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