Hundreds of HCSD Teachers are Fully Vaccinated
HARRISON COUNTY, MS (March 26, 2021) – The last group of teachers and staff in the Harrison County School District received the second round of the COVID-19 vaccine on Friday afternoon. The district employees lined up at the Harrison County Center for Excellence for the Pfizer vaccine, after receiving their initial dose three weeks ago. On Wednesday, another group of HCSD educators rolled up their sleeves to get their second shots.
The Harrison County School District truly appreciates Memorial Hospital at Gulfport and Singing River Health System for assisting the district in setting up the mini clinics and administering the shots over the last few weeks. Thanks to our health partners, hundreds of our teachers and staff are now fully vaccinated. HCSD is also grateful to have such an amazing team of educators and support staff who are willing to do what it takes for the health and safety of our students!
Vaccine #2

June 26, 2020: People Who Need to Take Extra Precautions

People at Increased Risk for Severe Illness

Older Adults
People with Medical Conditions
Medical Conditions Evidence Table

People Who Need Extra Precautions

Supporting Those Needing Extra Precautions

How to Protect Yourself & Others

Resources for Limited-English-Proficient Populations

More Information

Prevent Getting Sick
Symptoms and Testing
If You Are Sick

CDC Update - May 14, 2020:

People Who Are at Higher Risk for Severe Illness

COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Based on what we know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are:

· People 65 years and older

· People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility

People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including:

· People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma

· People who have serious heart conditions

· People who are immunocompromised

o Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications

· People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)

· People with diabetes

· People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis

· People with liver disease

Older Adults

At Risk For Severe Illness

People with Liver Disease

People with Asthma

People with HIV

People Who Are Immunocompromised

COVID-19: Are You at Higher Risk for Severe Illness?

Resources

· ASL Video Series: COVID-19: Are You at Higher Risk for Severe Illness?

· Learn how you can help protect yourself if you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19pdf icon

CDC 5/11/2020 update:

Running Essential Errands

Grocery Shopping, Take-Out, Banking, Getting Gas, and Doctor Visits

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On This Page

· Grocery Shopping

· Deliveries and Take-Out

· Banking

· Getting Gas

· Doctor Visits

As communities across the United States take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 by limiting close contact, people are facing new challenges and questions about how to meet basic household needs, such as buying groceries and medicine, and completing banking activities. The following information provides advice about how to meet these household needs in a safe and healthy manner.

Find additional information for people who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Shopping for food and other household essentials

Stay home if sick

· Avoid shopping if you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, which include a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

Order online or use curbside pickup

· Order food and other items online for home delivery or curbside pickup (if possible).

· Only visit the grocery store, or other stores selling household essentials, in person when you absolutely need to. This will limit your potential exposure to others and the virus that causes COVID-19.

Protect yourself while shopping

· Stay at least 6 feet away from others while shopping and in lines.

· Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when you have to go out in public.

· When you do have to visit in person, go during hours when fewer people will be there (for example, early morning or late night).

· If you are at higher risk for severe illness, find out if the store has special hours for people at higher risk. If they do, try to shop during those hours. People at higher risk for severe illness include adults 65 or older and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions.

· Disinfect the shopping cart, use disinfecting wipes if available.

· Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Use hand sanitizer

· After leaving the store, use hand sanitizer.

At home

· When you get home, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

· Follow food safety guidelines: clean, separate, cook, chill. There is no evidence that food or food packaging play a significant role in spreading the virus in the United States.

Accepting deliveries and takeout orders

Limit in person contact if possible

· Pay online or on the phone when you order (if possible).

· Accept deliveries without in-person contact whenever possible. Ask for deliveries to be left in a safe spot outside your house (such as your front porch or lobby), with no person-to-person interaction. Otherwise, stay at least 6 feet away from the delivery person.

Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after accepting deliveries or collecting mail

· After receiving your delivery or bringing home your takeout food, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

· After collecting mail from a post office or home mailbox, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Banking

Bank online whenever possible

· If you must visit the bank, use the drive-through ATM if one is available. Clean the ATM keyboard with a disinfecting wipe, if available, before you use it.

· When you are done, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home.

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Getting gasoline

Use disinfecting wipes on handles or buttons before you touch them

· Use disinfecting wipes on handles and buttons before you touch them (if available).

· After fueling, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds when you get home or somewhere with soap and water.

Going to the doctor or getting medicine

Talk to your doctor online, by phone, or e-mail

· Use telemedicine, if available, or communicate with your doctor or nurse by phone or e-mail.

· Talk to your doctor about rescheduling procedures that are not urgently needed.

If you must visit in-person, protect yourself and others

· If you think you have COVID-19, notify the doctor or healthcare provider before your visit and follow their instructions.

· Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when you have to go out in public.

· Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

· Stay at least 6 feet away from others while inside and in lines.

· When paying, use touchless payment methods if possible. If you cannot use touchless payment, sanitize your hands after paying with card, cash, or check. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home.

Limit in-person visits to the pharmacy

· Plan to order and pick up all your prescriptions at the same time.

· If possible, call prescription orders in ahead of time. Use drive-thru windows, curbside services (wait in your car until the prescription is ready), mail-order, or other delivery services. Do the same for pet medicine.

· Check with your doctor and pharmacist to see if you can get a larger supply of your medicines so you do not have to visit the pharmacy as often.

CDC UPDATE May 8, 2020:
Symptoms of Coronavirus

Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

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Self-Checker

A guide to help you make decisions and seek appropriate medical care.

Self-Check

Watch for symptoms

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

· Cough

· Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

· Fever

· Chills

· Muscle pain

· Sore throat

· New loss of taste or smell

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.

This list is not all inclusive. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention

Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately

· Trouble breathing

· Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

· New confusion

· Inability to wake or stay awake

· Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

Caring for yourself or others

· Learn how to protect yourself

· How to care for someone who is sick

· What to do if you are sick

May 7, 2020

https://governorreeves.ms.gov/covid-19/

Safer at Home Order

Thursday, March 26, 2020:

You can watch the WLOX News interview with HCSD Superintendent Roy Gill here as he talks about resources to help families cope during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://www.wlox.com/video/2020/03/26/harrison-co-schools-superintendent-roy-gill-keeping-students-engaged/?fbclid=IwAR1CyvjHe4y6C2u-z4HXHAM7yTdjKz0Y-SB0RY5sGFX1y4xdiBKguFCoM5A

Wednesday, March 25, 2020:

ATTENTION HCSD FAMILIES: Be sure to catch Harrison County School District Superintendent, Mr. Roy Gill, on WLOX-TV Thursday morning! Mr. Gill will be on "Good Morning Mississippi" to discuss the school district's response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis and the latest plans to help students and parents during the extended school closures. The live interview segment is scheduled to air between 6:30-7:00 am.

Wednesday, March 25, 2020:

We have a special message for all HCSD families - We care about you! Please check out this flier for details on how our certified social workers are ready to help you during this challenging time.

Monday, March 16, 2020:

COVID-Monday

ATTENTION HCSD FAMILIES: School nurses will be present at all schools on March 17, 2020, from 7:00 am-noon for parents who wish to pick up their child's medications. Special arrangements may be made with the school nurse or principal.

Sunday, March 15, 2020:

COVID Sunday

REMINDER FOR HCSD FAMILIES!

Harrison County School District will not be in session this week (March 16-20). Please continue to check our HCSD Facebook, HCSD Twitter, HCSD Instagram, and HCSD website for updates throughout the week. We will post announcements and other information as they become available.

Also, please remember to take precautions and follow directives from health agencies to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). We also encourage parents and guardians to make sure your children continue to read and take advantage of online educational lessons. We hope everyone stays safe and healthy as we weather this public health emergency together.

Friday, March 13, 2020:

COVID Friday

HARRISON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT - CORONAVIRUS COMMUNICATIONS:

Harrison County School District is dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of our students and staff. News about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is concerning to all of us, so we would like to keep our families informed by providing some answers to frequently asked questions. The information is based on guidance from the Mississippi State Department of Health and Mississippi Department of Education. The situation is changing rapidly, so we will continue to post any updates as they become available.

Q: Are you closing schools?
A: The Mississippi State Department of Health is not recommending that schools close at this time. However, we are closely monitoring the situation and making preparations in case the need for closures arise.

Q: Will my child be excused if he/she is absent from school?
A: If students have flu-like symptoms with a fever, parents/guardians should keep them at home. Students should remain at home if they have a fever, dry persistent cough, and shortness of breath. Students should stay home until they are fever free for 24 hours without medication. Normal school attendance policies remain in effect.

Q: What is the status of school and district sponsored events, like prom?
A: Currently, large-scale scheduled events occurring in closed spaces, or events with 250 or more participants, will be reviewed by the District. All other events will be allowed to proceed as planned. Until further notice, new school and/or district sponsored events occurring in closed spaces, or events with 250 or more participants, will be reviewed for approval on a case-by-case basis. The school district supports the authority of event sponsors and school administrators to postpone or cancel events.

Q: Are school-sponsored events that involve travel affected?
A: Any school-sponsored and/or school district-sponsored travel to areas with a Level 3 or 4 Travel Health Notice advisory for COVID-19, as identified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), will be canceled for the duration of the 2019-2020 school year. Currently, travel scheduled within the U.S., or for areas not identified as high risk, will be evaluated by the school district. We will communicate with all travel companies utilized by the school district to ensure they follow the same CDC protocols.

Q: Are school organization conferences and competitions still on?
A: Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Healthy Occupations Students of America (HOSA), SkillsUSA, and Technology Student Association (TSA) statewide events that were scheduled for this spring have been cancelled in accordance with MSDH guidance. Please check with your club sponsors for updates on any event cancellations.

Q: What if my student attends college classes?
A: Students who attend college classes should follow the guidelines and instructions set by the college or university. Additional guidance will be forthcoming regarding dual credit courses.

Q: Has the state testing schedule been affected?
A: The state testing window for ELPT is currently open, and MAAP-A opens March 16. MDE will provide updates based on guidance from the U.S. Department of Education.

Q: How do you handle enrollment of new students from identified high-risk areas?
A: If families are attempting to enroll a student from areas with a Level 3-4 Travel Health Notice Advisory for COVID-19, as identified by the CDC, the principal will call Harrison County School District’s Administrative Office for information concerning enrollment.

Q: Can students return to school after traveling to identified high-risk areas?
A: Families should inform the local school via telephone and/or email if their student or a member of their household has traveled to areas with a Level 3-4 Travel Health Notice advisory for the Coronavirus, as identified by the CDC. We will work with families to determine the appropriate action regarding the re-entry of the student into school.

Q: What kind of extra cleaning are you doing?
A: The District continues to implement all best practices and use materials at our disposal to keep each facility clean and disinfected. Custodians have been provided additional training focused on sanitizing high touch areas with virus killing products. Custodians, teachers, cafeteria workers, maintenance workers, and nursing personnel will be devoting more time to adequately sanitize all areas.

We will continue to share good hygiene practices with our students and staff. We are also keeping in close contact with our partner health agencies and monitoring current, accurate information. We are encouraging families to practice proper safety precautions outlined by the CDC and local and state health officials regarding travel restrictions and areas with large crowds. We also urge everyone to practice good hygiene habits to prevent the spread of germs, so we can keep our school community safe and healthy.

Coronavirus COVID-19

Wednesday, March 11, 2020:
Dear Harrison County School District families,

With increased public attention on COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and recent news about a positive case in Forrest County, MS, it is important to reassure you that Harrison County School District is doing everything possible to protect the health of our students and staff. Fortunately, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Harrison County. We continue to stay on top of the latest developments so we can better prepare and respond if this new virus is detected in our community.

WHAT WE ARE DOING:

Harrison County School District remains diligent in our efforts to reduce the risks of illnesses for students and staff. These steps include:

Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces and objects such as desks, keyboards, and doorknobs.
Reminding students to cover their mouth with their arm or tissues when sneezing or coughing.
Encouraging students to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer.
Sending students home if they are sick.
Educating the public on the risks and prevention measures.
Keeping in close contact with the Harrison County Emergency Management Agency, and monitoring updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Taking guidance from the Mississippi Department of Education regarding potential impacts on school operations.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

While we are taking these extra proactive measures to reduce the risk of spreading illness, we are also urging families to take the same precautions that are recommended during the cold and flu season. These steps include:

Keeping your child home if he/she has flu-like symptoms, which include: fever, muscle aches and chills, headache, sore throat, extreme tiredness, diarrhea and vomiting.
Keeping children home until they are fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
Washing hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer.
Reminding your children to avoid touching their mouth, nose, and eyes to prevent the spread of germs.
Encouraging children to stop handshaking.
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces and objects such as tables, door knobs, toilet handles, and toys.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

With the situation regarding coronavirus changing daily, we will continue to work closely with our partner agencies to monitor new information and share those updates with our school community. We encourage our families to follow directives, like travel restrictions, from the World Health Organization, CDC https://www.cdc.gov/, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, and Harrison County Emergency Management Agency. This is also a good time to make household preparations, including plans for child care and transportation, should there be a potential disruption to school schedules in the future.

The Mississippi State Department of Health is answering questions that you may have at the new COVID-19 hotline, 877-978-6453. You can check with the agency during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. The MSDH website is also a primary resource for coronavirus information: 24/7: http://HealthyMS.com/covid-19.

At times like this, we are especially grateful for the cooperation and support from our HCSD community. Thank you for working with us to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for our students and staff!

Queridas familias del Harrison County School District,

Con una mayor atención pública en COVID-19 (Coronavirus), y noticias recientes sobre un caso positivo en el Forrest County, MS, es importante asegurarle que el Harrison County School District está haciendo todo lo posible para proteger la salud de nuestros estudiantes y empleados. Afortunadamente, no hay casos confirmados de coronavirus en el Harrison County. Seguimos estando al tanto de los últimos desarrollos para que podamos prepararnos y responder mejor en caso de que este nuevo virus se detecte en nuestra comunidad.

LO QUE ESTAMOS HACIENDO:

Harrison County School District sigue siendo diligente en nuestros esfuerzos para reducir los riesgos de enfermedades para los estudiantes y los empleados. Estos pasos incluyen:

Limpieza, desinfección y desinfección de superficies y objetos con frecuencia tocados, como escritorios, teclados y pomos de las puertas.
Recordando a los alumnos que se cubran la boca con el brazo o los pañuelos al estornudar o toser.
Alentar a los estudiantes a lavarse las manos regularmente con agua y jabón, o usar desinfectante de manos.
Enviar a los estudiantes a casa si están enfermos.
Educar al público sobre los riesgos y las medidas de prevención.
Mantenerun en estrecho contacto con la Agencia de Manejo de Emergencias del Harrison County, y monitoreo de actualizaciones de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades.
Tomando la guía del Departamento de Educación de Mississippi.

COMO PUEDE AYUDAR:

Mientras estamos tomando estas medidas adicionales para reducir el riesgo de propagación de enfermedades, también instamos a las familias a tomar las mismas precauciones que se recomiendan durante la temporada de frío y gripe. Estos pasos incluyen:

Mantener a su hijo en casa si tiene síntomas similares a los de la gripe, que incluyen: fiebre, dolores musculares y escalofríos, dolor de cabeza, dolor de garganta, cansancio extremo, diarrea y vómitos.
Mantener a los niños en casa hasta que estén libres de fiebre durante 24 horas sin medicamentos para reducir la fiebre, como ibuprofeno o paracetamol.

Cubrir la tos y los estornudos con un tejido o un codo.

Lavarse las manos con agua y jabón a menudo durante al menos 20 segundos, o usar desinfectante de manos.

Recuerde a sus hijos que eviten tocarse la boca, la nariz y los ojos para evitar la propagación de gérmenes.

Persuadir a los niños a dejar de temblar de manos.

Limpieza y desinfección de superficies y objetos frecuentemente tocados, como mesas, perillas de las puertas, manijas de inodoro y juguetes.
Evitar el contacto cercano con personas enfermas.

Con la situación de cambio diario del coronavirus, continuaremos trabajando en estrecha colaboración con nuestras agencias asociadas para monitorear nueva información y compartir esas actualizaciones con nuestra comunidad escolar. Animamos a nuestras familias a seguir las directivas, como las restricciones de viaje, de la World Health Organization, CDC https://www.cdc.gov/, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, y Harrison County Emergency Management Agency. Este también es un buen momento para hacer los preparativos del hogar, incluyendo planes para el cuidado de niños y el transporte, en caso de que haya una posible interrupción en los horarios escolares en el futuro.

El Mississippi State Department of Health está respondiendo a las preguntas que puede tener en el nuevo COVID-19 hotline, 877-978-6453. Puede consultar con la agencia durante el horario comercial regular, 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday. El sitio web de MSDH también es un recurso principal para la información del coronavirus: todo el dia, todos los dias: http://HealthyMS.com/covid-19.

En momentos como este, estamos especialmente agradecidos por la cooperación y el apoyo de nuestra comunidad HCSD. ¡Gracias por trabajar con nosotros para mantener un ambiente de aprendizaje seguro y saludable para nuestros estudiantes y empleados!

Coronavirus CDC Flyer

Harrison County School District

HCSD COVID - 19 UPDATES

Harrison County School District