Infectious Diseases and Public Health

Subtopics

Distance Learning

In-Person Learning

Physical Spacing and Testing

Sanitation and Ventilation

Protect schools and communities during a public health crisis.

Schools must be prepared to respond to sudden infectious disease outbreaks and other public health concerns and emergencies. Sustaining safe in-person learning, ensuring proper hygiene, and managing daily operations are all important for keeping a safe and secure school environment amid a health crisis.

Schools are an important part of the infrastructure of communities. They provide safe and supportive learning environments for students that support social and emotional development, provide access to critical services, and improve life outcomes. Schools should work with local public health officials, consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including those related to privacy, to determine additional prevention strategies needed in their area by monitoring levels of community transmission and local vaccine coverage, and use of screening testing to detect cases in K-12 schools during public health emergencies.

Use the filter below to sort resources available based upon stages of preparedness and subtopic.

Featured Resources

These resources are a starting point for learning about infectious diseases and public health. Use these resources to help your school manage and respond to an infectious disease outbreak and promote safe public health. Members of the school community can also download this SchoolSafety.gov infographic to learn more about everyday preventive actions and access a sampling of infectious diseases and public health resources.

Assessment

School Health Index

Department of Health and Human Services, 2017

This online self-evaluation and planning tool enables schools to identify strengths and weaknesses of health and safety policies and programs, develop an action plan for improving student health, and engage teachers, parents, students, and the community in promoting health-enhancing behaviors and better health.

Report

White House Toolkit for Sustainable and Healthy Schools: 2024 Update to Federal Resources to Address K-12 School Infrastructure Needs

The White House, 2024

This toolkit highlights how schools can use federal resources to address school infrastructure needs and make school buildings healthier and more sustainable. It provides an overview of the federal funds, programs, technical support, and other resources related to school infrastructure available to support state and local educational agencies and individual schools.

Webpage

Norovirus

Department of Health and Human Services

This webpage provides information and resources about the norovirus, including common symptoms and prevention strategies.

Webpage

Protect Your Child from COVID-19, the Flu, and Other Illnesses

Department of Health and Human Services

This webpage provides information, resources, and recommendations for parents and legal guardians to help children lower the risk of illnesses, stay healthy, and protect the people around them throughout the school year.

Filter Resources

All Infectious Diseases and Public Health Resources

The federal government identified additional resources that highlight strategies for school safety. Use these resources to learn more about infectious diseases and public health.

Webpage

Healthy Indoor Environments in Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

Environmental Protection Agency, 2021

This webpage contains links to resources and guidance from Federal agencies about indoor air considerations for schools during COVID-19 and for school reopening, as well as Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Tools for Schools resources to help create, maintain, and improve healthy learning environments beyond the pandemic.

Webpage

Responding to COVID-19: Anxiety & Return to Work/School

Department of Health and Human Services, 2021

Returning to school or work in this current phase of COVID is perhaps less isolating, but still a time of stress and anxiety. This webpage includes resources developed by the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network and other reputable national organizations for individuals returning back to work and school in person.

Guidance

Letter to Educators: New CDC Recommendations and Their Impact on Children with Disabilities

Department of Education, March 2022

This document is intended to help educators, staff, and families preserve safe in-person learning opportunities for students with disabilities, including those at high risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19.