Dear Families,
As you know, there is an ongoing global health concern regarding the
coronavirus
.
The safety of Miss Hall’s students and their families is always our highest priority, and the School’s Incident Response Team has been carefully monitoring this situation. Heading into Long Weekend and the observance of the Lunar New Year, with several students planning to travel to and from China, we want to inform our community about recommended travel precautions, share the steps the School is taking, and provide answers to questions you may have.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a Level 2 health alert in response to the coronavirus outbreak. We urge all students and families to stay informed by visiting the
CDC website
and following their recommended precautions:
- Frequently and properly wash hands (or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available).
- Cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
- Thoroughly cook meat and eggs.
- Avoid close contact with anyone showing respiratory illness symptoms, such as coughing and sneezing.
If you or someone you are with show signs of infection, such as:
- respiratory symptoms
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath, or
- breathing difficulties
We encourage you to follow these guidelines:
- Stay home. Except for seeking medical care, avoid contact with others.
- Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
- Do not return to MHS while symptoms persist. Follow the direction of medical professionals regarding any travel. Contact the Miss Hall’s Health Center if you have symptoms, a confirmed diagnosis, or have sought medical care.
Several countries and territories, including the United States, have implemented health screening of travelers. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol has begun
enhanced health screenings
at five major international airports (Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York JFK, and San Francisco) to identify travelers who may show signs of illness. Some students have expressed concern that they may be delayed or restricted in their travel and may not make it back to MHS in time to resume classes on January 29.
If a student cannot return due to health concerns or travel restrictions
, these are considered excused absences. Teachers will make accommodations for missed work and coordinate remote learning through PowerSchool and/or email as necessary.
Students who decide to cancel travel plans
and stay on campus are welcome to do so. There will be adult supervision, Lunar New Year celebrations, and other planned activities throughout the Long Weekend. Please be in touch with MHS staff right away if changing travel plans.
If a student becomes ill on campus
, they should go directly to the Health Center to seek medical attention. We have established comprehensive best-practice safety protocols in the event that a student on campus is determined to have contracted the coronavirus. We will continue to be in touch with students and families as we continue to monitor the situation and attend to the health of our community.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. I have included a list of helpful contacts below. On behalf of all of us at Miss Hall's, I wish you all a healthy and safe Long Weekend.
