Help Prevent Illness

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) virus.  It can be spread from person to person. Health officials are currently taking steps to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 into US communities and schools can play an important role in this effort.

El Dorado School District, working together with the CDC and state and local health departments, have an important role in slowing the spread of this disease to help ensure students have a safe and healthy learning environment. 

At the March School Board meeting, Nurse Janet Scarlett shared the following recommendations for the district to help prevent the spread of disease:

  • If a student or staff member has traveled outside the United States in the last 14 days and has symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), they should immediately be placed in a single room and have a mask placed on them.  Others in the room should wear a mask.  If physical contact is required, then gown, gloves and mask should be worn.  Any suspected case of COVID-19 (with symptoms) should be reported to Arkansas Department of Health immediately at 501-537-8969 or 1-800-554-5738.  


  • Emphasize common preventive actions for students and staff.
    • stay at home when sick
    • cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing.  If tissues are not available cough or  sneeze into your upper arm or sleeve.
    • wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.                      


  • Ensure students and staff who become sick at school or arrive at school sick are sent home as soon as possible.


  • Keep sick students and staff separate from well students and staff until they can leave. 


  • Share resources with the school community to help families understand when to keep children home.


  • Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, light switches, countertops) with a cleaner that kills 99.9% bacteria and viruses.  Use all products according to the directions on the label.


  • Educate the staff on any updates on the COVID-19 virus and disinfecting techniques for the safety of the students and staff.


  • If a student or staff member has been identified with COVID-19, school and administrators will seek guidance from local health officials to determine when students and staff should return to school and what additional steps are needed for the school community.       
  • The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available.