With more cases of Coronavirus being detected in the US and less than a dozen residents of Indiana and Kentucky currently being tested for the flu-like disease, Washington County Schools are beginning to address plans and increase communications to parents.
This afternoon, Salem Community Schools Superintendent Jon Acton released information to be sent home with parents as well as to all staff.
East Washington Superintendent Dennis Stockdale said the corporation has posted a letter from the State Health Commissioner on the school’s Facebook page.
West Washington School Superintendent Keith Nance issued this statement,” West Washington has reviewed guidance from the Indiana Department of Health and the Indiana Department of Education. We are prepared to follow those recommendations. In any situations involving communicable diseases we work closely with the Washington County Department of Health and following recommended protocols.”
Following is from a letter sent home today for all Salem students:
“Salem Community Schools has been closely following recent media reports and information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Global efforts are currently underway to contain the spread of the virus and mitigate its impact. The Federal Government and several Indiana governmental agencies are working closely with both national and regional public health partners to respond to this threat.”
“If by chance, you or your child has traveled to China, Japan or Italy within the last 21 days, please seek and follow medical advice and monitor your health condition,” Acton wrote in the letter.
“Outbreaks like this are always troublesome. Some parents and students might be worried about this virus and how it may impact our schools and communities. Be assured that we are aware of these concerns and are proactively working to ensure our schools are safe for all students and staff. The safety of our students and employees is paramount. This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and we will provide updated information as it becomes available.”
Acton said parents can help by promoting good hygiene.
“Our school nurses and staff will be working with students to promote good hygiene and to keep everyone healthy and safe,” he noted.
“We are also working with our custodians to ensure our schools receive thorough cleaning every day. Parents are asked for help in reinforcing healthy practices at home with children.”
Acton listed the following steps Salem Schools have taken so far:
- COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness Plan creation and ongoing review/additions.
- Guidance and resources from State and Federal agencies.
- Emphasis on cleaning in all educational/common areas of SCS.
- Ordered hand sanitizer/wipes for all classrooms/offices/buses throughout the corporation.
- Daily monitoring and review of COVID-19 updates/guidance/plan.
“Thank you for the opportunity to educate your children,” Acton wrote. “We will continue to create readiness plans in hopes they are never needed in order to protect all students and staff of Salem Community Schools.”
Action said for additional information, visit cdc.gov.
