Dear TSS Parents,
Amidst growing information and awareness around COVID-19 (coronavirus), along with a potent cold and flu season, we are taking action to keep The Southport School a healthy and safe environment. As the progression of the virus is an evolving situation, we will continue active management and monitoring of reliable resources to ensure the proper and recommended precautions are in place.
Because we work directly with the Fairfield Health Department, which provides our nursing staff as well as recommendations, guidelines, and information for health-related issues, we benefit directly from their resources and government-level access to information specific to COVID-19. We receive daily updates from them as we monitor the situation. Last week, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) stated that schools should be proactive in their preparation in case the virus begins to spread, which aligns with standards of good practice for maintaining a healthy and safe community. The Southport School considers the precautions and recommendations from our local, state, and federal governments seriously. Because the spread and impact of the virus is uncertain, we are actively considering ways, working with colleagues and organizations in both public and independent schools, to manage various scenarios on a short-term and long-term basis. Although it would be the most extreme response, and one we do not currently anticipate, our planning includes considering different options in the case the typical school day becomes disrupted.
The CDC recommends certain non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus (and the seasonal flu virus) since people have little or no immunity to it. Community and personal NPIs include the maintenance of our facilities and our best practices for students, teachers, and staff to keep germs from spreading. Please be assured that we start from a strong position with our daily maintenance and cleaning procedures; nevertheless, given the current situation, we are in regular contact with the professional cleaning service company we use to ensure the most effective processes and products in their work. At the same time, we have also increased more frequent “deep cleans” of the facilities on a weekly basis. These areas include the bathrooms, classrooms, Tavormina Hall, computers and other digital platforms, and community spaces. They are using antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaning solutions, as recommended by the company. Faculty and staff also have access to antibacterial products throughout the building to wipe down classrooms and common areas of use throughout the day. All campus visitors will have access to sanitary dispensers placed throughout the premises.
We are discussing, practicing, and implementing the following guidelines for all students, faculty, and staff to follow these best NPIs to diminish germ spreading and keeping our community healthy.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after visiting the restroom; before eating; after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing or touching your face
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then discard the tissue in the trash
- Utilize the disinfectant stations stationed around the campus
- As a community, we ask others to respect personal physical space and discourage hugs, handshakes, and high-fives for the time being
- Keep your child home if they have cold or flu-like symptoms (runny nose, cough, fever, body aches)
If we have a student or staff member present such flu-like symptoms while on campus, we will send them home.
Please find below several links to helpful resources for the latest updates on coronavirus and other relevant topics related to concerns and safety. If you have questions, please reach out to your advisors. We will continue you to keep you apprised of the situation and how it affects our campus and learning environment.
Thank you and stay healthy,
