How to Protect Yourself Against COVID-19 in the Classroom

Depending on where you live, you or your child may be preparing to go back into the classroom this fall. Schools are taking measures to help reduce the chance of contracting COVID-19 by installing plexiglass barriers, limiting class sizes and social interactions, wiping down high-touch surfaces, and making sure hand sanitizers are readily available. But none of this will guarantee you or your child doesn’t get sick. We both know how dirty a classroom can be. (Don't believe us? Check out this video where we went into a school and swabbed and tested different classroom items.) So, how can you be best prepared to go back to school? We’ve created a list of essentials you need.

Items

• PhoneSoap 3: Our sanitizing device will kill 99.99% of harmful bacteria in just 10 minutes. The PhoneSoap 3 is perfect for phones, keys, headphones, and other small devices. Order now and you can receive 10% off using code 'SCHOOL10'
• Leak Proof Bottles: These little plastic bottles are perfect for carrying around hand sanitizers. They are easy to transport and refill. Many of them also can attach to a backpack, purse, keyring, or belt loop.
• PhoneSoap Shine: Our screen cleaner comes with microfiber backing, making it easy to spray and shine your dirty computer, tablet, and phone screens.
• Masks: It’s been proven that masks help reduce the spread of COVID-19 so it’s a no-brainer that this is one of your essentials no matter what you are doing or where you are going. We recommend these Shon Simon Co. masks that are double-layered, breathable, lightweight, and come in multiple colors and sizes, even kids sizes.
• No-Touch Door Opener: This cool tool allows you to open doors and draws and also turn on lights without ever touching them. It can easily attach to a key ring or be stored in a pocket or bag. 
• Microfiber Cloths: It’s not always realistic to wear gloves around everywhere, but if you want to limit the surfaces you are touching with your bare skin, we recommend purchasing a small microfiber cloth to use to touch surfaces like door handles and handrails. Each cloth has an easy little tag that you can loop around a finger or attach to a carabiner and hang on a backpack or keyring. 

Practices

• Wash Your Hands: This is a very easy, preventative step to take throughout your day to lessen the chance of getting sick. Try to wash your hands every 30-60 minutes or after eating, being outside, or touching high-contact surfaces. Make sure to use soap and water and wash for at least 20 seconds.
• Bring Your Own Everything: Avoid sharing things with others, not just drinks and food. It’s okay to be possessive of your stuff! Bring your own school supplies and even bring a sack lunch.
• Strength Your Immune System: Your immune system is an important defense against COVID-19 and other viruses. You need to take care of it and strengthen it! Here are some easy things to do to build up your internal defenses.
  • Get sleep. The CDC recommends 9-12 hours for school-age children, 8-10 for teens, and 7+ for adults.
  • Eat fruits and veggies. A balanced diet that isn’t just treated and snacks is extremely important for your health.
  • Exercise. It’s important to do both moderate- and high-intensity workouts. Consider doing both indoor and outdoor exercising. And this exercise can be anything from a brisk walk to a game of soccer. Just make sure you are staying socially distant!
  • Do yoga. The pandemic has caused a lot of stress and anxiety and this can harmful to your body and mind. Yoga is a great way to reduce anxiety and have some mindful, meditative moments during your day.
  • Connect. Spend time with family and friends and with yourself. Take time to do some self-care. This can help manage any stress and ward off loneliness.
  • Eat your vitamins. Vitamins can do wonderful things for your body and immune system. There are a few specific vitamins that are proven to really boost your immune system and provide a defense against getting sick. We’ve also listed common foods that provide these vitamins.
    • Vitamin C (strawberries, oranges, broccoli, and red bell peppers)
    • Vitamin D (mushrooms, bread, cereals, salmon, and milk)
    • Vitamin E (nuts and peanut butter)
    • Vitamin A (sweet potatoes, carrots, and spinach)
    • Zinc (meat, beans, nuts, and seeds)
  • If you want more information about building your immune system, we recommend this great article from Intermountain Healthcare.

• Watch for Symptoms: Make sure you are especially observant of symptoms in yourself and others. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, to name a few. For a more comprehensive list visit the CDC’s website.
• If You Have Symptoms, STAY HOME: If you display any of the symptoms listed, please stay home. No matter how severe your symptoms are or how good you may feel, it’s not worth it to go out and possibly infect others, especially if you come into contact with those that are high-risk.