Dear PCA Parents, February 28, 2020

As news about the novel coronavirus continues to develop, I am writing to provide you with an update on how PCA is preparing as we face the continued flu season and the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) our state is still experiencing widespread influenza activity. Because of this, we ask that you help us maintain a healthy school environment by keeping ill students at home. To determine whether or not to send your child to school, please consider the following:

  1. A student who has a fever should remain at home until "fever free" for a minimum of 24 hours. 
  2. A temperature of 100 or higher is considered a fever.

With the recent news about the coronavirus, you may have some questions or concerns. As always, Plymouth Christian continues to follow proper health and safety precautions to ensure the wellbeing of students and staff. In early January, we created a PCA Task Force (Caryn Huntsman, Beth Larabee, Ryan Batson, & Peggy Paulson) to monitor this situation. This task force is closely following the recommendations from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Michigan Department of Health, and the Wayne County Health Department. These sources remain the best place for the most accurate information regarding COVID-19.

Regarding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), there are still no cases identified in the state of Michigan as of today. Information to date suggests that COVID-19 causes mild-to-moderate illness and symptoms like the flu, including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. At this time, this virus is NOT spreading in the community in the United States. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledged this week that they think it is likely that more cases will emerge in the United States in the coming weeks. Because of this, PCA is preparing a plan for the coming months. 

We are communicating with our staff and faculty about the precautions that we are taking as a school. We are also reminding them of some essential but straightforward reminders that they can do to help mitigate the risk of a possible spread of infection. Proper handwashing, use of hand sanitizers, and cleaning of desks and door handles are simple items, but incredibly important to diminish the spread of illness. 

We will continue to update the PCA community as new information becomes available via our newly created Health & Wellness webpage and school communications. You can visit that page by clicking HERE . There, you will find previous updates sent to our school community, helpful links and resources, and frequently asked questions. Please use this as a primary resource for staying informed about what's happening at PCA regarding COVID-19. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me at 734-459-3505, x.3131 or email me at caryn.huntsmans@plymouthchristian.org .

Finally, and most importantly, I invite you to join us in prayer for our neighbors near and far who are most affected by this outbreak, including the families of our international students. Please also pray for protection for our campus community.

In Him, 
Caryn Huntsman
Superintendent