Take Steps for Cleaner Air
What simple action can teachers or staff take in a classroom (when safe) to increase ventilation and reduce airborne germs?
Open windows and doors when weather and safety allow to increase fresh air flow.
Give two examples of high-touch surfaces in a classroom that should be cleaned regularly.
Doorknobs/door handles, desks/tables, light switches, keyboards, faucet handles, handrails.
What are the three basic supplies a school should provide at sinks so students can wash hands properly?
Soap (liquid or bar as allowed), running water (warm or cold), and disposable paper towels or a functioning hand-drying device.
If a student needs to cough or sneeze, where should they ideally direct their cough if a tissue is not available?
Cough/sneeze into the inside of the elbow
Why is staying up to date on recommended vaccinations important for school communities?
Vaccinations protect individuals and the school community by preventing vaccine-preventable diseases, reducing transmission, and protecting those who cannot be vaccinated.
Name one device schools can use in rooms with low ventilation to help clean the air.
Portable HEPA air cleaner
What should staff do immediately if a surface is visibly soiled with blood or other bodily fluids?
Clean the surface first to remove soil, then disinfect according to the recommended procedures and use appropriate PPE; handle bodily fluids according to protocols.
If soap and water are not available, what product (and minimum specification) can schools provide as an alternative?
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
After blowing their nose or coughing, what should students do right away to reduce the spread of germs?
Throw away used tissue (if used) and wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer immediately.
Name one way schools can help make vaccinations more accessible to students and families.
Host school-located vaccination clinics, coordinate with local health providers to offer on-site vaccination events, provide information about nearby clinics, or facilitate transportation.
True or False: Opening windows, when doing so does not create a safety hazard, to increase ventilation.
True
When might a school need “enhanced” or specialized disinfection beyond routine cleaning?
During outbreaks of illnesses or after a confirmed infectious case in a classroom/space, or when recommended by public health authorities
List three key times during the school day when students should be encouraged to wash their hands.
Before eating or handling food, after using the restroom, after blowing nose/coughing/sneezing, after recess or outdoor play, after contact with sick people or bodily fluids.
Name two respiratory viruses that respiratory etiquette helps prevent.
Influenza (flu) and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19); also respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
What role do state or territorial vaccination requirements play for children attending school?
These requirements are important tools for maintaining high vaccination coverage and low rates of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Describe one policy or building change schools should consider when constructing or remodeling to improve long‑term air quality.
Considering ventilation design and/or enhancements when remodeling or constructing new buildings to optimize clean air.
Explain the typical differences in purpose among cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting in school settings.
Cleaning removes dirt and many germs from surfaces (reduces the number of germs); sanitizing reduces germs to a safe level as judged by public health standards; disinfecting kills many or most germs on surfaces (used when higher-level germ control is needed).
Why is washing with soap and water preferred over hand sanitizer in many situations?
Soap and water physically remove certain kinds of germs and dirt/organic material that can reduce sanitizer effectiveness; handwashing is more effective when hands are visibly soiled.
Suggest one classroom setup or supply placement that supports good respiratory etiquette among students.
Place tissues and trash bins within easy reach of students; position hand sanitizer near entrances and high-use areas; arrange seating to reduce face-to-face proximity.
Provide two specific actions a school can take to promote vaccine confidence among staff and families.
Provide clear, culturally sensitive communication and education to families and staff; partner with trusted community health providers to host Q&A sessions; share evidence-based materials and success stories; ensure interpreters and translated materials are available.
Explain how keeping bus windows open can affect infection spread and name one safety consideration that must be balanced with this action.
Effect: increases air exchange and reduces airborne concentration of pathogens
Safety consideration: balance with weather/temperature, student comfort, and road safety (and ensure temperature-related health risks are considered).
If an outbreak of a specific pathogen occurs, which external partner should the school consult about extra cleaning steps?
Local or state public health department (or environmental health specialists) or other public health partners.
Describe one strategy a school could use to increase student handwashing behavior during times of increased illness.
Scheduled handwashing breaks, visible reminders/posters near sinks, supervised handwashing after certain activities, handing out stickers/positive reinforcement, and making sinks and supplies easily accessible.
Describe a short classroom activity or routine that teachers can use to teach and reinforce proper respiratory etiquette.
Model-and-practice routine: teacher demonstrates correct coughing/sneezing into the elbow and proper tissue use; students practice in pairs, followed by a quick poster-making activity or a daily “etiquette check” where students self-assess.
Describe how a school-located vaccination clinic could be planned so it supports equity and access for the whole school community.
Ensure clinic hours accommodate working families (after school/evenings/weekends), provide low/no-cost vaccines or free clinics, offer multilingual outreach and consent materials, provide accessible locations within the school, arrange transportation supports if needed, and coordinate with community partners to reach underserved families.