Thank you for your efforts and sacrifices—let’s keep it up, Mayfield!

The COVID-19 cases and positivity rates continue to decline in L.A. County. It’s anticipated that they may drop low enough for elementary schools to reopen in the next two to three weeks. This means everyone’s efforts and sacrifices are paying off. Thank you for all your work!

In honor of Black History Month, I want to continue to celebrate Black scientists whose contributions to medicine have touched almost all our lives. Dr. Charles Richard Drew is definitely someone who fits squarely in that category. He developed blood preservation techniques that led to blood donations and is known as the “father of blood banking.” His doctoral research explored best practices for storing and transfusing blood, which helped him establish the first large-scale blood banks. He managed the first American Red Cross Blood Bank and created what is now known as “bloodmobiles.” Every blood donation and transfusion today is possible because of his research.

In COVID-related news—the CDC has updated its guidance on masks to include the importance of fit and fabric. Masks should fit snugly against the side of your face without gaps and completely cover your nose and mouth. Masks with a nose wire (a metal strip along the top of the mask) can help improve fit. A cloth mask over a medical procedure mask can also improve fit and filtration; this is called “double masking.” The CDC’s guidance on effective masks will help you make sure your mask fits properly, and this helpful video shows you how to tighten loose masks. The best cloth masks are made of multiple layers of tightly woven, breathable fabric. Here's a tip to ensure a mask’s thickness: hold it up next to a bright light source, and check whether it blocks light from coming through the fabric. Cloth masks with exhalation valves (or vents) should not be worn since they allow respiratory droplets containing the virus to escape. 
 
L.A. Public Health confirmed nine more cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) this week, bringing the total to 75 with one death. All 75 children required hospitalization and 44% were treated in the ICU. Of the children with MIS-C, 29% were between 12 and 20 years of age. Latinx children account for 76% of the cases. MIS-C is an inflammatory condition associated with COVID-19. Symptoms include fever that does not go away and inflamed body parts, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs. If you believe your daughter may have MIS-C symptoms, contact your primary care provider. 

Please be aware that L.A. County’s Travel Advisory remains in effect. Health officials say residents should avoid non-essential travel and “all persons arriving in or returning to the County of Los Angeles from other states or countries must self-quarantine for 10 days after arrival.” Please review the county's quarantine protocols and contact me if you have any questions.

Let’s keep up our efforts so we can get “Back to Bellefontaine” soon.
 
Stay healthy, 
 
Cathy Cota, RN, BSN, PHN
 
Remember the 3 Ws: wear a face covering, wash your hands, watch your distance
Avoid the 3 Cs: crowds, confined areas, close contact
Practice the 3 Rs:
 relationships, routines, reassurance
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Established in 1931, Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, CA is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women grades 9-12. Noted for its rigorous academic program, which includes 28 Advanced Placement and Honors courses, Mayfield’s curriculum is underscored by a philosophy of educating the “whole child,” which also encourages commitment to and excellence in the arts, athletics, community service and spiritual growth. The nurturing environment at Mayfield Senior School allows each student to flourish in an atmosphere of personal attention.