March 10, 2020
Dear Parents,
The safety and wellness of our community is extremely important to us, which is why we have taken steps to properly monitor the ever-evolving outbreak of the respiratory disease caused by COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by COVID-19. This disease was first detected in Wuhan City in China. CDC is following this rapidly changing heath situation. On January 31, 2020, the United States declared a public health emergency to help the healthcare community respond to COVID-19. Exposure to COVID-19 comes from travel to China or direct contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
A specially-formed leadership team at DC has convened and is collaborating closely with the CDC and with state and local health departments to keep abreast of the situation. This group also has created emergency plans for our community if we were to be impacted by the epidemic.
As a parent or guardian, you play an important role in helping to maintain perspective and calm with your student.
Children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events. If adults seem overly worried, children's anxiety may rise. It's important to reassure children that health and school officials are working hard to ensure that people throughout the country stay healthy.
Below you will find a helpful document provided by Erin Smith, Director of Counseling Services, on how to talk to children about COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Meanwhile, everyone can do their part to respond to this emerging
public health threat.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you 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.
- Wash your 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 they are visibly dirty.
- Remind children to do the same.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
If there are any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact Kim Garrett, Director of Health Services, by calling 291-7253 or emailing her at
kgarrett@daytonchristian.com.
We will do our best to help.
Sincerely,
Dr. John S. Gredy
DCS Head of School
