Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Information
This page is a resource for families and school administrators regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Public Health information. Find out more about the COE’s commitment to the health and wellness of our students, as well as our ongoing programs and partnerships, here. You can also find information on Santa Cruz COE’s official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
Individuals 5 years of Age and Over – Vaccines and Boosters are available!
Individuals or child-based organizations who would like to inquire about access to vaccines, please contact Inspire Diagnostics by voice or text Monday-Friday from 8:30AM to 5:00PM at 949-539-6732 or by emailing schools@inspirediagnostics.com.
Children ages 6 months to 4 years of age, are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and booster but need to reach to their primary care provider or pediatrician. Inspire will not offer vaccines or booster to those under 4 years of age.
Inspire will provide pediatric vaccination series or bivalent booster to those 5 and older.
COVID-19 TESTING for the school community
Adequate testing is one of the key components required to be in place in order for schools to remain in-person, safely and prevent the transmission of COVID-19. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education and all Santa Cruz County School Districts, Charters and Private Schools have partnered to make asymptomatic and symptomatic testing available to all school personnel, students, and families at no cost.
Visit our COVID-19 Testing website for updated testing information.
Opioid & Overdose Awareness
Opioids including fentanyl continue to pose a threat to the Santa Cruz County school community due to the high risk of accidental overdose.
In partnership with the Santa Cruz County school districts and SafeRx Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education promotes age-appropriate overdose awareness and prevention training for both staff and families as one way we work to ensure the safety of our school community. These efforts include:
- Distributing “Let’s Talk” booklets to families of students entering 9th grade in English and Spanish, to raise awareness and facilitate conversations about substance use and mental health
- Holding staff trainings on use of naloxone and establishing naloxone policies within all districts
- Expanding partnership with SafeRx Santa Cruz County coalition
- Participating in SafeRx Santa Cruz County’s youth-focused fentanyl town hall
Naloxone (Narcan)
Naloxone, brand named Narcan, is an FDA-approved medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose.
As of the 2022-23 school year, all Santa Cruz County school districts and the COE have Naloxone available on each high school campus, as well as staff trained in its use. The COE is working in support of expanding the availability of Naloxone, both on-campus and within the community.
Schools and eligible community partners are able to order Naloxone free of charge through the Department of Healthcare Services Naloxone Distribution Project. Eligibility requirements and an application form are available online on the NDP website. For technical assistance, Santa Cruz County school staff may contact Heather Thomsen at hthomsen@santacruzcoe.org.
Resources
Santa Cruz County Narcan Distribution Sites
Fentanyl & Overdose Prevention (CDPH)
Narcan Manufacturer’s Training Video
MONKEYPOX INFORMATION & UPDATES
Monkeypox (MPX) is a virus that spreads through prolonged skin to skin contact, sexual relations, kissing, breathing at very close range, or sharing bedding and clothing. MPX is rare and currently a low threat to the general public. It can be serious, though most cases resolve on their own. Seeing a doctor right away is important.
MPX is a public health concern because the illness is similar to smallpox and can be spread from infected humans, animals, and materials contaminated with the virus. MPX is less transmissible and usually less severe than smallpox.
MPX was first identified in 1958 and occurs primarily in Central and West African countries. Historically, MPX cases have rarely occurred in the U.S. and had mostly been related to international travel or importation of animals. There is a recent significant increase in reported cases where MPX is not commonly seen, including in Europe, Canada, the United States and California. While it’s good to stay alert about any emerging public health outbreaks, the current risk of getting MPX in the general public is low.
Use the resources linked below to learn more about MPX, how it spreads, symptoms, and how to protect yourself.
FAMILY COMMUNICATIONS
Official Communications from the Santa Cruz County Office of Education
- February 24, 2023, Letter to Families
- September 28, 2022, Letter to Families
- September 15, 2022, Letter to Families
- February 28, 2022, Letter to Families
- February 16, 2022, Letter to Families
- February 2, 2022, Letter to Families
- January 7, 2022, Letter to Families
- December 16, 2021 Letter to Families
- December 6, 2021 Letter To Families
- October 15, 2021 Letter To Families
- October 1, 2021 Letter to Families
- September 20, 2021 Letter to Families
- September 10, 2021 Letter to Families (español)
- September 10, 2021 Letter to Families
- September 1, 2021 Letter to Families
- August 27, 2021 Letter to Families
- August 12, 2021 Letter to Families
- August 2, 2021 Letter to Families
- May 17, 2021 Letter to Families (2)
- May 17, 2021 Letter to Families (1)
- May 7, 2021 Letter to Community
- April 20, 2021 Letter to Community
- April 1, 2021 Letter to Community
- March 24, 2021 Letter to Community
- March 17, 2021 In Solidarity Against AAPI Violence
- March 15, 2021 Guidelines for Outdoor Sports
- February 12, 2021 Letter to Community
Students & Families
Latest Updates Regarding Safe Learning
One-pager Guidance for schools, workplace, and child care facilities
COVID-19 Screening Form for Athletics and Activities
Community Resources and Support Services
Mental Health & Wellness Resources for Families
Video to Explain Coronavirus for Children
California PTA Information for Parents, PTA Leaders and Members
Schools & Districts
Up-to-date COVID-19 Guidance for Reopening Schools at covid19guidance.santacruzcoe.org
Resources for School Administrators regarding COVID-19:
Resources for Promoting Hand Hygiene and Wellness:
Center for Disease Control (CDC) videos for good hand washing techniques
LCAP Guidance:
General Guidelines for Preventing the Spread of Illness:
As a preventative measure, we encourage all students, staff, and parents to take common-sense precautions to prevent the spread of all infectious diseases, including common illnesses like colds and the flu. Such precautions include:
- Stay home if you are sick. Those who have a fever should go home and stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
- Promote hand hygiene among students and staff through education, scheduled times for hand-washing, and ensuring the availability of soap, water, and hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Teach and encourage safe cough etiquette – cough or sneeze into a tissue, sleeve, or arm (do not use hands).
- Provide routine surface cleaning
- Consider not attending large gatherings, as this is where cold, flu, and other respiratory viruses often spread.
contact information
COVID-19 Protocols for Schools
(831) 466-5904
covidprotocols@santacruzcoe.org
Inspire Diagnostics
(949) 539-6732
Available to answer inquiries regarding results and billing
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