Coronavirus (COVID-19): Updates and Resources from District 96
Dear District 96 Parents and Guardians,
The health and safety of our students and staff remain our top priorities, and I want to provide you with an update. In addition to the protocols and actions outlined in the communication sent out on February 28, 2020.
Here is what we are doing:
- We remain vigilant in monitoring news and updates from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
- We continue to follow the recommended protocols from the CDC and IDPH for cleaning and sanitizing our schools. The schools underwent deep cleaning and sanitizing Saturday, March 7. We anticipate continuing this process on Saturdays during this period of pandemic concern.
- The Pandemic Preparedness Committee met Friday, March 6, to review the District’s up-to-date policies and procedures regarding pandemic illness. The Committee discussed critical topics involved in supporting student and staff safety as well as parent communication.
- The Committee consists of Administrators, two School Board Members, Head School Nurse, the Chief of the Riverside Fire Department, and staff.
- The Pandemic Preparedness Committee is scheduled to meet again Tuesday, March 17.
- We are monitoring students and staff that are experiencing flu-like symptoms and sending them home if they present any of the following symptoms: temperature of 100 degrees or higher, respiratory infection symptoms, rashes for unknown reasons, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- School nurses are reviewing hand washing best practices with students. Hauser students will learn the facts about COVID-19 in an effort to dispel myths and misinformation.
- The District has two days of e-Learning approved by the Board of Education and will explore adding additional days.
As the discussion about COVID-19 continues, we also want to be mindful of any stereotyping, racism, and discrimination that can be associated with the outbreaks of infectious disease.
This from the CDC:
“Public health emergencies, such as the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), are stressful times for people and communities. Fear and anxiety about a disease can lead to social stigma (1) toward people, places, or things. For example, stigma and discrimination can occur when people associate a disease, such as COVID-19, with a population or nationality, even though not everyone in that population or from that region is specifically at risk for the disease. Stigma can also occur after a person has been released from COVID-19 quarantine even though they are not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others.”
“It is important to remember that people – including those of Asian descent – who do not live in or have not recently been in an area of ongoing spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, or have not been in contact with a person who is a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 are not at greater risk of spreading COVID-19 than other Americans.”
For medical questions or concerns, contact your physician.
Additional resources are available online:
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirushttp://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus
- https://files.constantcontact.com/02c2f3ef001/b9045cda-78c1-480e-80a8-decae71e745a.pdf
- https://files.constantcontact.com/02c2f3ef001/5085ab84-330d-4b26-a6e2-49c2e7755f2e.pdf
I hope you find this information helpful. We will remain vigilant in monitoring any changes to this ongoing situation. Please contact me should you have additional questions.
Sincerely,
Martha
- 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 touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and immediately place it in the trash (if tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your upper arm or elbow)
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Information and Interim Guidance for K-12 Schools, Illinois
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
- http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
- https://files.constantcontact.com/02c2f3ef001/5085ab84-330d-4b26-a6e2-49c2e7755f2e.pdf
- https://files.constantcontact.com/02c2f3ef001/b9045cda-78c1-480e-80a8-decae71e745a.pdf
- Lávese las manos con frecuencia con agua y jabón durante al menos 20 segundos. Si no hay agua y jabón disponibles, use un desinfectante para manos a base de alcohol
- Evite tocarse los ojos, la nariz y la boca con las manos sin lavar
- Evitar el contacto cercano con personas que están enfermas
- Quédese en casa cuando esté enfermo
- Cubra su tos o estornude con un pañuelo desechable e inmediatamente colóquelo en la basura (si no tiene pañuelos desechables, tosa o estornude en la parte superior del brazo o el codo)
- Limpiar y desinfectar objetos y superficies que se tocan con frecuencia.
Recursos adicionales están disponibles en línea:
- What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Information and Interim Guidance for K-12 Schools, Illinois
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
- http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
- https://files.constantcontact.com/02c2f3ef001/5085ab84-330d-4b26-a6e2-49c2e7755f2e.pdf
- https://files.constantcontact.com/02c2f3ef001/b9045cda-78c1-480e-80a8-decae71e745a.pdf
Espero que esta información te sea útil. Seguiremos vigilantes para monitorear cualquier cambio en esta situación en curso. Por favor contácteme si tiene preguntas adicionales.
Sinceramente,
Martha