December 17, 2021 -- As we prepare for winter break, we want to remind our Columbus City Schools students, staff, and families about the best way to protect yourself from the spread of COVID-19.

Holiday traditions are important for families and children. There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health. Because many generations tend to gather to celebrate holidays, the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible.

• Get a COVID-19 Vaccine as soon as you can; test to prevent the spread to others.
• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.
• Remember to social distance –at least 3 feet from others who don’t live with you.
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
• WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN with soap and water (> than 20 seconds). Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available, and clean high-touch surfaces often.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands and cover your coughs and sneezes. 

For a list of locations providing the COVID-19 vaccine to ages 5 years and older,  visit NationwideChildrens.org/Vaccine or gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov. 

If you are considering traveling for a holiday or event, visit CDC’s Travel page to help you decide what is best for you and your family. CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated.

How to Report a COVID-19 Exposure or Positive Case:

If you have a student that has tested positive or has had a confirmed community exposure, here’s how to report an exposure or positive case:

Call the CCS COVID-19 Reporting Hotline at 614-365-5544 and leave a message with the requested information. A Columbus City Schools Contact Tracer will return your call during winter break to provide further guidance. 

Free BinaxNow: If you are in need of a BinaxNow Home Test Kit during winter break, please contact your local branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library to check COVID-19 Test Kit availability. Call 614-645-2275 and press 2  to speak to a person to determine the location closest to you.

Stay home if sick: Celebrate at home if you or your family members are not feeling well or have recently tested positive for COVID-19. If you are not fully vaccinated and were recently exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should also stay home. 

By working together, we can enjoy safer holidays, travel, and protect our own health as well as the health of our family and friends. We look forward to seeing our students and staff back in the classroom on January 3, 2022.