Concerns over the spread of the coronavirus have all agencies reviewing pandemic plans and uniting with local health officials to make sure adequate preparations are in place. The problem we face is the limited knowledge of the Covid-19 compared to the common influenza. At this time the CDC's recommendations for Covid-19 are the recommendations we should follow for all respiratory illnesses. I want to encourage each of you to be sure we are doing our best to prevent any health issues within our schools. Prevention is an important key in which we can all play a part. In addition to our “in building” efforts, we are placing hand sanitizer dispensers on buses next week. Hopefully, this will help with the school’s initial contact with children from different home exposures. Please also review the guidance below:
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. A tissue is preferred but at the least cough into your elbow. Throw all tissues into a lined trashcan. Immediately wash your hands or use hand sanitizer (60-95% alcohol). Remember to wash hands at least 20 seconds with soap.
- Wash hands often and avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, utensils, towels, or bedding with others in your household.
- Sanitize high traffic areas often - cell phones, keyboards, door handles, countertops, and all bathroom fixtures
- Wear a facemask if you have to be around someone with symptoms. ( Family member in the car or room, visit to a health care provider)
- Call ahead and be advised by your physician's office, before arriving at an appointment to avoid being exposed unnecessarily.
- STAY AT HOME except for medical care if you have early symptoms especially fever!
- Avoid interaction with your pets as well if you have symptoms.
We are receiving guidance and meeting with DPH to continue to monitor and plan for this health concern. Everyone can prepare by making the maximum effort to follow this initial guidance. At present, no cases of Covid-19 have been identified in Georgia. Protocols are in place that will trace and identify contacts should one be identified. Any isolations, quarantines, or school/ business closings will be dictated with the direction of the CDC and DPH.