Community Health Message
We are continuing our planning, in coordination with community partners, to support the health of our school community. At present, the risk of getting the COVID-19 virus is still low. There are, though, confirmed cases in New York State. Spread of the illness is possible; that’s why we are preparing.
We diverted resources to ensure our buildings are clean and healthy:
- Additional training for cleaners.
- All surfaces are being cleaned more frequently.
- Maintenance staff have been reassigned to clean and sanitize high-touch and common areas.
- Additional hand sanitizers have been installed.
As we know, the best preventions are the individual precautions we can all take:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid sharing cups, water bottles, food, utensils and other similar items.
- Avoid spreading the disease through airborne particles; Sneeze and cough into a tissue or elbow. Throw the tissues immediately in the trash.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
We will continue to emphasize healthy behaviors with our students to promote a healthy environment.
Please help us teach and reinforce these practices to our students. If a student is exhibiting flu symptoms, such as a fever and a cough, we have asked that families keep their child at home and visit their doctor.
Here are some answers to the
most common questions:
What is COVID-19 or the coronavirus?
There are several known coronaviruses that infect people and usually only cause mild illness, like the common cold. The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a newly discovered virus that usually causes a mild illness, not unlike the common cold. However, reports suggest that older adults and persons with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems might be at greater risk from this virus.
What can the school do?
Schools, working together with local health departments, have an important role in slowing the spread of diseases to help ensure students have safe and healthy learning environments. Schools are not expected to identify cases of COVID-19. The majority of respiratory illnesses are not COVID-19. If a community (or more specifically, a school) has cases of COVID-19, local health officials will help identify those individuals and follow up on next steps. Schools in areas where there are no confirmed cases should emphasize cleaning, education, and good hygiene practices.
What can families do?
It is important that students stay home when they are sick. Frequently reported signs and symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, muscle pain or fatigue, and shortness of breath. Children who are getting ill may exhibit different behavior than usual, such as eating less or being irritable. If you suspect your child is sick, it is essential that he/she/they not attend school or go where other people would be exposed.
Parents and caregivers should also teach their children the everyday hygiene measures that help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases (listed above).
When talking with your children, first listen to what they’ve heard and how they’re feeling, and then correct potential misinformation (refer to the Centers for Disease Control, NYS Department of Health, and/or County Health Department for accurate and up-to-date information). You can also review preventative measures such as those listed above.
