Infectious Disease Preparedness | 2020

Raul Cardenas, President & CEO
Due to the high alert around the world concerning the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Mullen High School has prepared a plan of response. We are monitoring statements and advice from the Center for Disease Control and the Colorado State Department of Health.  As of now, even with the lower risk here in Colorado and the United States, steps will be made at the school to prepare students and staff in the currently very low chance that a breakout occurs in our buildings. These best practice procedures are designed to protect the safety of all parties involved and to prevent any further infections from occurring.
In the coming weeks the Administrative Team will continue to monitor the situation and to prepare the school for potential eventualities and for how we can maintain quality educational processes. 

Infectious Control Staff members involved:

  • Principal 
  • Police Officers
  • Assistant Principals 
  • Dean of Students
  • Director of Safety and Security 
  • Licensed Athletic Trainer(s)  - First Responders
In the Case of an Ill Student or Staff Member
  1. If a student approaches a staff member (someone at the front desk, in the Attendance Office, the Dean of Students, teacher, coach, counselor or other adult) about feeling sick, the staff member will immediately notify athletic trainers on staff to complete a history, conduct a symptom checklist, and take the student’s temperature and vitals. Athletic trainers will contact the Dean of Students, the Director of Safety and Security and/or an available administrator. The Dean of Students or an administrator will immediately call parents/guardians and let them know their student is not feeling well. The school will send an emailed copy of symptoms, objective readings, and recommendations. A diagnosis will not be made at the school but we will strongly recommend follow up with a primary care physician. 
  1. In an event a student or staff member is showing signs and symptoms of an illness that may be consistent with cold, flu or coronavirus, their emergency contact or parent/guardians will be notified. In an event they have already been seen by a health care professional and ruled out any contagious diseases they may return to class. We may require a note from that treating physician, PA, or NP. We ask that all students continually monitor their symptoms and follow up with their provider if symptoms or fever do not improve.
  1. If at any point severe signs, symptoms, and high fever (101.4 ° or higher) are found by our licensed athletic trainers after notifying parents/guardians, the rest of the Infectious Control Team will be notified. No medicine will be dispensed to a student without verbal consent from a parent or guardian. The medicine the school does have available for fever reducing is tylenol and ibuprofen.
  1. The school does not wish to isolate or make a student feel uncomfortable. The school will always let a parent know the actions we are taking to best control the potential spread of an infectious disease to the rest of the school.  The Spirit Center athletic training room will be our area where students or staff can use to rest and isolate themselves. Students will always be under the appropriate supervision of staff members. This area right now has low foot traffic and visibility compared to the rest of the school. If the student needs to be picked up from school, the student’s ride may do so in the Spirit Center parking lot. Once a parent/guardian picks up the student, the school will continue our documentation process.
  1. It may be best to keep the student out of class and we may recommend a student going home if the student is showing the following signs/ symptoms:
  • Cough
  • Difficulty Breathing 
  • Vomiting or Diarrhea
  • Fever (100.4 ° or higher)
  • Having traveled outside the country in the last 14 days or having come into contact with someone who has. 

We may recommend the student wear a medial face cover to help prevent the spread of infection. Staff members may also wear one.

  1. In an extreme case when 911 and emergency medical services need to be activated, the student will be transported to Swedish Hospital emergency room  off E. Hampden and Logan Ave. We will always confirm this with paramedics.
  1. Once a through process and a significant finding or diagnosis occurs, the school will take proper steps to disinfect parts of the school. This can take a day or many depending on each situation.
Mullen High School’s priority is the safety and well being of our students and staff. This guide is intended to help protect yourself and others from getting sick. Mullen High School has been closely monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to provide updates and information. During school days students should notify an administrator or teacher if they are not feeling well, so we can notify parents or guardians. As always it is recommended that students stay home when sick and should notify the school as well. Also follow up with your health care provider if no improvements are seen with symptoms. If you have any questions or concerns contact medical@mullenhigh.com. Please pray for those who have been affected along with their families. We thank you for your cooperation and support. 

General Awareness to Help Prevent Infections
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
  • Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
  • Avoid sharing drinks and utensils. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose with your hands.
  • Get plenty of sleep.
  • Keep a personal hand sanitizer. 
  • Notify an administrator if you are feeling significantly sick.
  • Make sure to notify your doctor if any symptoms become severe or seek immediate medical care.
  • Avoid contact with those who are sick. 
  • Stay home if you have a fever of 100.4 ° or higher and do not return to school until it subsides for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicine.
  • Be actively aware of how you are feeling, and pay attention to any symptoms you may be having. Fever, dry cough, and difficulty breathing, headache, and muscle aches are the main symptoms for coronavirus. Gastrointestinal problems(vomiting and diarrhea) may be symptoms.

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this process. We know the community understands why Mullen High School is taking the proper steps to keep everyone safe and healthy. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the school with any questions or concerns. 

Travel Advisory
If you are planning to travel in the coming days and weeks, please read THIS DOCUMENT concerning the school’s advice and planning.

Continuous Learning
The school is preparing  in the case of the unlikely event of an extended closure of the school due to coronavirus. You can learn about these preparations from THIS DOCUMENT.   

Dr. Raul Cardenas
President & Chief Executive Officer


Mr. Jeffrey M. Howard
Principal & Chief Academic Officer
 
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