List of 7 items.

• Vaccine Resources

  COVID-19 vaccine FAQs and resources

  As vaccine efforts across the country begin to ramp up, here are some resources from the Tennessee Department of Health that you may find helpful:

   

  1. Order your four free at-home COVID tests here.
  2. If you have questions about how to calculate quarantine and isolation times, please refer to this tool from the South Dakota Department of Health: https://doh.sd.gov/covid/calculator/
  3. Some very informative FAQs from the Tennessee Department of Health.

  4. General COVID-19 vaccine information, including daily vaccination reporting, from the Tennessee Department of Health.

  5. Learn about the Tennessee's vaccine rollout by phase.

  6. Faculty and staff are in phase 1b of the vaccine rollout. Sign up to be alerted when the vaccine is available for your phase in Williamson County. Check with your local county to see if they have something similar.

  7. Fact vs. Fiction: Mythbusters from the Tennessee Department of Health.

• The Swiss Cheese Model

  The Swiss cheese model

  More recently, you might have heard experts make reference to the "Swiss cheese model" of pandemic defense. The metaphor -- illustrated in the graphic below -- is similar to the Four Pillars of Prevention we often stress. When you combine several layers of protection such as social distancing, masks, good hygiene, ventilation, and daily health assessments, you can significantly reduce the overall risk of spreading COVID-19. You can read more about the Swiss cheese model in this New York Times article.

   

  

• The Four Pillars of Prevention

  The Four Pillars of Prevention

   

  Many states are seeing a recent rise in COVID-19 cases, including Tennessee. As the temperatures start to dip and we move indoors for holiday gatherings, please be mindful of the Four Pillars of Prevention: hygiene, physical distancing, wearing a mask and health screens.
  
  

• The Importance of the 2020-21 Flu Shot

  Getting a flu vaccine this 2020-21 season is more important than ever. With cooler weather and more people gathering inside this fall and winter, it's likely that flu viruses and COVID-19 will spread. Since the two viruses often present similar symptoms, the healthcare systems could also get overwhelmed treating patients.   

   

  While getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, there are important benefits, such as:

  

   

  1. Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death.
  2. It is an important preventative measure for those with chronic illnesses.
  3. Studies have shown that it can significantly reduce the severity of the flu if you do get sick. 
  4. It protects the people around you.
  5. Getting a flu vaccine can save healthcare resources for the care of patients with COVID-19.

  There are many convenient and cost-effective ways to get your flu shot this year that we encourage you to take advantage of, including: obtaining one through your employer if it is offered, at the doctor's office, or at your local pharmacy. For more details about the benefits of obtaining this year's flu vaccine visit the CDC website.

• How Often Should You Wash Your Mask?

  With face masks now a staple of our everyday attire, you might wonder -- how often should I be washing my mask? The CDC says "regularly," but experts that spoke with The New York Times' Wirecutter say that it should be every day, and added that you do not have to wash them separately from your other clothes.

   

  This topic also serves as a good reminder that disposable masks should be thrown away at the end of each day.

   

  Click here for tips from the CDC on how to properly wash your masks.

• Debunking Infrared Thermometer Myths 

  Debunking Infrared Thermometer Myths 

  Daily temperature checks are one of Currey Ingram's main lines of defense when it comes to COVID-19 safety protocols. The school utilizes non-contact infrared thermometers because they offer safety to both parties while providing a quick and accurate temperature reading. 

   

  Here are two common misconceptions about infrared thermometers and their corresponding facts:

   

  MYTH: Infrared thermometers can expose the brain to harmful radiation.

  FACT: Infrared thermometers do NOT emit radiation or send any wavelengths into the brain. They sense heat that is naturally emitted from the body. (Dr. Haris Sair, Johns Hopkins University)

   

  MYTH: Infrared thermometers aren't accurate.

  FACT: Research has shown that, when used correctly and as directed, infrared thermometers are just as accurate as digital thermometers. (Dr. Neha Vyas, Cleveland Clinic)

• Five Quick Tips for Safe Carpooling

  Does your student carpool to school? Here are five tips to consider to protect your student and others during their carpool:

  1. Have all passengers sanitize their hands before getting into the car.
  2. Passengers should wear a face covering (cloth mask or face shield) for the duration of the ride.
  3. Social distance as much as possible (e.g. sit at opposite windows or in different rows).
  4. If possible, keep car windows open to create a crossflow of air.
  5. Wipe down frequently touched surfaces with disinfectant before passengers get in.