Staying Safe at Home

Covid FAQs

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Staying Safe During This Time:

  1. What are the symptoms of COVID-19 or Coronavirus?

    People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of reported symptoms – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to COVID-19. Symptoms can include: 

    • Fever or chills

    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

    • Muscle or body aches

    • Headache

    • Nausea or vomiting

    • Cough

    • Fatigue

    • New loss of taste or smell

    • Sore throat

    • Congestion or runny nose

    • Diarrhea


    This list does not include all possible symptoms, and children and youth with COVID-19 may experience any, all, or none of these symptoms.  

     

  2. Can we use the school playgrounds and have playdates with other classmates? 

    Yes! School Playgrounds are open to students when they are in the buildings! As for community playgrounds and parks in New Bedford, they are currently open to families who are vaccinated or wearing masks and maintaining a safe distance from others. Families should schedule playdates at their own discretion and should continue to follow CDC guidelines for staying safe during COVID-19. For more information on available parks in New Bedford, click the link below:   https://newbedfordma.myrec.com/info/facilities/  

  3. Where can I get resources in the community? 

    For more information, please visit your local Family Engagement Center or call the NBPS Hotline for more information at 508-997-4515. 

  4. What resources exist for homeless students and families during this period?

    Guidance from DESE’s Homeless Education Coordinator includes:  

    -While local offices are currently closed to the public, shelter applications can be done by phone by calling 1-866-584-0653. 

    -Families must follow shelter quarantine/isolation rules in effect.

    -Families should not be worrying about housing searches at this time. They may still apply for housing online and work with their case managers by phone.

    -DHCD will be encouraging housing authorities to temporarily not take action against tenants who have family doubling up. Housing courts are temporarily suspending eviction proceedings.

  5. What resources are available for parents coping with stress during this time?

    The CDC has provided the following resources for parents coping with stress: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

     Here are some additional hotlines:                                                                                                    
    -The Parental Stress Line – “parents helping parents” – available 24/7 in all languages: 1-800-632-8188  

    -SafeLink – Massachusetts statewide domestic violence support and resources – 24/7 helpline: 877-785-2020  

    -National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

    -The Disaster Distress Helpline - 1-800-985-5990 – a 24/7, 365-day-a-year national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural human-caused disaster. This line is toll-free, multilingual, and confidential. Crisis support is available to all residents in the US and it's territories. You can also text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.