Page 8 - spaces4learning, Fall 2021

spaces4learning K-12
IT’S EVERYONE’S ROLE TO KEEP OUR SCHOOLS HEALTHY, SAFE AND OPEN
Standard hygiene practices, like proper handwashing, are more important than ever.
By Brian Sansoni
AFTER A YEAR of hybrid and distance learning, many K-12 schools across the country are looking to return to “normal” by holding in-person classes. Simple hygiene practices like proper handwashing can have a major impact, reducing gastrointesti- nal illness by 50% (Family Medicine) and absenteeism by up to 50% (American Journal of Infection Control).
With a potentially difficult flu season looming and
many school-aged children unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19, it is critical for administrators and leaders with- in the school community to understand all necessary hygiene and cleaning protocols. Below are some key guidelines to focus cleaning protocols and help faculty, students, their families and faculty and staff stay healthy and in-school.
Importance of Hand Hygiene
Despite its simplicity, handwashing is an activity most people do not do as often as they should. One study found 58% of female and 48% of male middle- and high-school students washed their hands after using the bathroom, and 33% of females and 8% of males used soap (American Journal of Infection Control). Adults aren’t off the hook, either. In fact, a study conducted by the Amer- ican Cleaning Institute with the American Society of Microbiol- ogy reported 92% of adults claim to always wash their hands in public bathrooms, but only 77% were observed doing so.
Keeping clean through good hand hygiene is one of the most important steps everyone can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. That means regularly washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available. By teaching proper hand hygiene to children at home and at school — and setting a good example by washing your hands (the right way) throughout the day — school faculty and administrators have the power to decrease the spread of illness-causing germs.
8 FALL 2021 | spaces4learning.com