COVID-19

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. It is now a pandemic affecting many countries globally.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are

2.1. fever,

2.2. dry cough,

2.3. and tiredness.

2.4. Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include aches and pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.

3.1. People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus.

3.2. The disease spreads primarily from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are expelled when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or speaks. This is why it is important to stay at least 1 meter away from others. These droplets can land on objects and surfaces around the person such as tables, doorknobs and handrails. People can become infected by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. This is why it is important to wash your hands regularly with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand rub.

(Source: World Health Organization www.who.int)

Anyone can catch COVID-19 and become seriously ill. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart and lung problems, diabetes, or cancer, are at higher risk of developing serious illness. Children are less often reported as cases when compared with adults, and the illness they experience is usually mild. While children may be less affected, they may also have a greater number of contacts in school and community settings. People of all ages who experience fever and/or cough associated with difficulty breathing/shortness of breath, chest pain/pressure, or loss of speech or movement should seek medical attention immediately.

(Source: World Health Organization www.who.int)

Practicing hand and respiratory hygiene is important at ALL times and is the best way to protect others and yourself.

• when possible maintain at least a 1 meter distance between yourself and others
• a fabric or medical mask can protect others around you
• avoid straight contact with people: no handshake, hugs or touchings
• always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze

1) Temperature checks

- At the entrance to the school building and during the school day, staff and students will have their temperature taken with non-contact thermometers.

2) Staff COVID-19 tests

- 100% of staff are tested prior to the start of the school year.

- 10% of staff will be re-tested every 15 days.

3) Medical Staff

- There will be no changes in the work of the medical office.

- Doctors and nurses from children’s clinics will be present according to their established schedule.

- In case of any threat to life and health, teachers will call an ambulance, which will arrive in five to seven minutes.

4) Cleaning services

- Before the start of the school year, general cleaning with disinfectants will be carried out.

- The school will be cleaned thoroughly in this manner every week.

- Daily cleaning of the premises, sanitization of contact surfaces, equipment in the classrooms and sports equipment will also be carried out.

- All surfaces, door handles, toilets, and floors will be cleaned every 2 hours.

- Windows and doors will be opened during breaks when students are not present in the classroom and may be left open a small but safe amount during lessons.

1. All surfaces in the dining room will be thoroughly cleaned after each visit from groups of students.

2. All kitchen staff will wear masks and gloves at all times.

3. Kitchen equipment will be disinfected before cooking begins.

4. Staff & children will maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from each other

Special timetable for Canteen Entries

Entry and exit times will be staggered similarly for lunch, when going outside, and any other movement through the corridors. Students will not congregate in the corridors with students outside of their class group at any time.

1. Students in different groups will maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from each other. 

(Year 1 students should maintain distance from Year 2 students, etc.)

2. Pre-Nursery, Nursery, Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 will go outside separately from Year 3 – Year 6 students. Physical Education Lessons

3. Physical education lessons are organized with enhanced health safety measures.

4. The equipment used in the class will be regularly disinfected.

5. At the beginning of the school year, physical education lessons will be held outdoors as much as possible.

1. Lunch and Snack time – Pre-Nursery, Nursery, Reception, Year1 and Year 2 groups will eat at a different time with KS2 (Year 3 – Year 6).

2. Each group will go to the canteen separately.

3. Each group will maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from other groups.

• Antiseptic sanitizers will be installed in the corridors and at the entrance to the building. The school will have the necessary supply of medical masks. Students can use medical masks at will. Teachers will wear personal protective equipment in class. Only when explaining new material in the classroom and when properly socially distanced can they take off the medical mask. When outside the classroom, for example, while walking down the corridor, wearing a mask (or face screen) is required for teachers.
• Employees of catering units, security guards, cleaning companies, engineering services, and administrative personnel will wear masks and gloves at all times.
• Parents and other family members must wear masks on the school grounds.

• In accordance with Moscow government orders, if a student tests positive for COVID-19, parents of students who have been in contact with this student will be notified and all these students will be asked to quarantine for 14 days.
• In accordance with Moscow government orders, if a teacher tests positive for COVID-19, students will not be required to quarantine since teachers will always be wearing protective masks to prevent the spread of infection.
• Heritage International School will constantly monitor and respond appropriately to any changes in the COVID-19 situation with members of our student body and staff members to ensure their health and safety.