Dear District 86 Community, 

We have been closely monitoring the various updates that health organizations and agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) have been sharing regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Below is the latest from those organizations, as well as information about the steps we are taking to preserve and protect the health of our students, staff and families.

We will continue to keep you updated on the latest news and information about COVID-19. You can also use the following links to access additional information regarding the virus.


Sincerely, 

Tammy Prentiss
Superintendent 

Information about D86’s Monitoring and Prevention Efforts

  • As stated above, the district has been closely monitoring the developments regarding COVID-19, and receives regular updates about it from the CDC, IDPH and DCHD. To date, there have been no reported or confirmed cases of the virus in DuPage County. 

  • There are no special sanitizing products or processes that are necessary or recommended for slowing the spread of respiratory illness. With that said, our custodial staff and GSF-USA, which is the vendor we contract with for cleaning services, are performing routine cleaning in our buildings. These efforts have and will continue to include an increase in the disinfecting of common touch points such as drinking fountains, doorknobs, locker handles, etc. We are also looking into the purchase or procurement of additional resources (e.g., more hand sanitizer stations) that can support the preventive measures we are already taking in our buildings. 

  • While we have seen an increase in the number of students visiting the nurses at Central and South, the average attendance rate at both schools has been above 94%.

  • We are working with our teams, clubs and organizations to determine the status of and plans for any trips they have scheduled in the days, weeks or months ahead, especially those requiring air travel. We have and will continue to strictly adhere to the travel notices that have been issued by agencies such as the CDC and U.S. Department of State. If a destination is not covered by these notices, we will work with the groups to assess/evaluate the benefits of proceeding with a trip versus the risks it may pose to the health and safety of those who are taking part in it. Should we need to cancel or postpone a trip that has already been paid for, we will help explore the options or opportunities that exist for reimbursements or refunds. 

  • Any students, staff or family members who plan to travel for work or recreation (i.e., spring break) are strongly encouraged to follow the guidelines issued by local, state and federal health organizations and government agencies. If you visit an area where there is “widespread or ongoing community spread” of the virus, including China, Iran, Italy and South Korea, please notify the district (e.g., school, department, etc.) as soon as possible, and follow the CDC’s 14-day protocol that is detailed in the general information below. 

  • Should we have a student, staff member or relative who contracts or is exposed to the virus, we will work closely and collaboratively with DCHD and our feeder schools to implement emergency plans that will address issues such as:

  1. Dismissing school.
  2. Canceling classes, events or activities.
  3. Using e-learning to continue providing instruction if school is closed.
  4. Cleaning and disinfecting buildings. 
  5. Reopening school and returning to class.

General Information about COVID-19

  • While cases of COVID-19 have increased in portions of the United States, most notably in Washington and California, the health risk it poses to the general public still remains low. The state of Illinois is currently reporting a total of seven confirmed cases, none of which have been tied to or are connected with any individual or organization in DuPage County. Although the health risk is low, our state and country are engaged in a strong public response to this situation in an effort to detect new cases in a timely manner and prevent the spread of the virus. The belief is that enacting strong public health measures now will help blunt the impact of COVID-19.

  • IDPH and the CDC continue to discourage people from using masks or gloves as a form of protection against the virus unless they are advised to do so by health professionals. At this time, it is critical that these supplies remain available to health workers and those who are taking care of individuals who have COVID-19. 

  • Health agencies are recommending that anyone returning from China, Iran, Italy and South Korea be kept home for 14 days starting from the day they get back. During these 14 days, they recommend that individuals do the following:

  1. Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever.
  2. Watch for a cough or trouble breathing.
  3. Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to school or work for the entire 14-day period, and discuss your situation with your school or employer before returning. 
  4. Do not take public transportation, taxis or ride-shares during the 14 days.
  5. Avoid crowded places (e.g., shopping centers, movie theaters, etc.) and limit your activities in public.
  6. Keep a distance of at least six feet from others. 

  • While there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection, there are steps people can take to protect themselves against any respiratory virus. Any help you can provide in reinforcing these steps with your students would be greatly appreciated.

  1. Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be used instead.
  2. Not touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  3. Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
  4. Staying home when you are sick.
  5. Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash.
  6. Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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