February 26, 2020
Dear Country Day Community,
As you are likely aware, on Tuesday, February 25, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) gave a press conference updating the country on the current status of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and recommended steps that should be taken moving forward. While we do not want to unduly alarm our community, we wanted to share with you some of the steps our school is taking to prevent the spread of illness across our campus, and plan for the possible spread of the coronavirus in our community.
As the CDC has emphasized, there is
not currently a coronavirus pandemic in the United States
.
A pandemic occurs when a disease is spreading from a variety of sources across a large region, and the number of cases across the U.S. is still small. However, given how quickly the global situation is evolving, we are monitoring new developments and will continue to reevaluate our steps and actions frequently.
Country Day's administration is prepared to alter our procedures and planning
through these guidelines for response,
should the situation change. We are also considering the impact spring travel, school trips, and other non-typical school activities will have in the context of the coronavirus. We will communicate any changes affirmatively when the time is appropriate.
In the meantime, the most effective way to stay healthy and minimize the spread of infectious disease is to:
- Ensure excellent hygiene. General health and wellness best practices, with a particular focus on thorough and frequent hand washing, are recommended. It is important to note that although N95 masks and other personal protective equipment are helpful in preventing the spread of the illness by infected persons, the CDC does not recommend the use of masks for protecting individuals from contracting the coronavirus.
- Stay home if you are ill. Faculty, staff, and students who are feeling ill should stay home until they recover.
- Voluntarily isolate at home. Community members who have recently traveled from China, have been in close contact with someone who traveled from China, or who are experiencing symptoms of illness should not visit campus for a minimum of 14 days.
It is important to remember that handling the spread of a serious contagion like the coronavirus is primarily a task for public health agencies. Country Day will follow directives from the World Health Organization, CDC, and/or local governmental organizations, as necessary.
In times like this, we are particularly grateful for the strength, patience, and support of this community. Please continue to look for further communications from us on this matter.
Thank you,
