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.

Webpage

COVID-19 Resources for Schools, Students, and Families

Department of Education

This webpage provides information on federal resources available to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 among students and staff and maintain safe in-person learning environments.

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.

Guidance

Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools through Phased Prevention

Department of Health and Human Services, May 2021

This operational strategy presents a pathway to reopen schools and help them remain open through consistent use of mitigation strategies, especially universal and correct use of masks and physical distancing.

Guidance

Mitigating the Threat of School Violence as the U.S. “Returns to Normal” from the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

Department of Homeland Security, May 2021

DHS's Office of Intelligence and Analysis and the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships provide a resource to raise awareness of potential risk factors and indicators for targeted violence in schools.

Webpage

Safer Schools and Campuses Best Practices Clearinghouse

Department of Education, May 2021

The Best Practices Clearinghouse provides resources for communities, schools, educators, and families for returning to in-person learning and supporting the needs of all students, particularly historically underserved students and those who have been impacted greatest by the pandemic.