Head's Update RE: Coronavirus and School Preparedness
Dear Families:
As you are likely aware, the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC’s) announced on February 25 that schools should begin preparing in the event of an outbreak of coronavirus, or COVID-19, in the United States.
According to the CDC, although
“the potential public health threat posed by COVID-19 is high, both globally and to the United States…for the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.”
However, given how quickly the global situation is evolving, we are monitoring developments and will continue to reevaluate our steps and actions daily. We have no reported cases within our school community at this time. Nonetheless, it is important that we have procedures in place to ensure the health and safety of our school community and to minimize disruption to our students’ education. Our planning and response will continue to be grounded in directives from the CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), and local governmental organizations.
As a school, we are prepared for a range of possible contingencies, such as school closures, that may occur as this situation develops. In the event that school must be dismissed for an extended period of time, we will incorporate a variety of instructional strategies to connect with our students at home. Our contingency planning involves provisions for the following, among other considerations:
Clear, timely centralized communication to families and staff via email, the school website, social media, and text message alerts to provide regular updates about this fluid situation
Appropriate disinfection of facilities and materials throughout the school day and nightly.
Virtual education accommodations to enable continued instruction
Closely monitoring the CDC, WHO, and local governmental agencies
We will continue to refine our contingency planning as we receive new information from the CDC, WHO, the Department of Health, and local governmental agencies so that we can best meet the needs of our students, families, and staff. Please be aware that outbreaks involving COVID-19 evolve quickly, and recommendations from public health officials may change frequently.
Any relevant new information that we receive will be added to our website at this link: https://stjohnseagles.org/covid19/. Additional informational resources are listed below.
In addition, an increasing number of countries are being placed under travel advisories due to the coronavirus. We ask that you stay informed of the
CDC’s travel advisories as we cannot know what the status of the outbreak will be when spring break arrives. If your child or members of your immediate family have recently traveled to a part of the world (China, South Korea, northern Italy, Iran, etc.) that is currently experiencing higher rates of infection, please contact your child’s division head to discuss their status immediately.
We want to also remind you of the recommended hygiene practices included in our February 20th and 27th Eagles’ Wings update on flu and coronavirus. According to the CDC,
the best protection against viral transmission is frequent hand washing.
Recommended Hygiene Practices
To minimize the spread of respiratory viruses, including influenza and coronavirus, the CDC recommends the following:
Keep children home when they are sick, especially if they present with fever (above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 37.7 C). Children should be fever-free (without fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and follow any recommendations offered by the CDC, WHO, and/or local/state agencies. Please be assured that further communications from us will continue in the event of new information that directly impacts St. John’s. School will continue to operate as normal.
In times like this, we are particularly grateful for the strength and togetherness of our community. As always, we are available to support any student or family who feels anxious or worried about COVID-19.