Health update

Posted on: Feb 28, 2020

Delano Public Schools is aware of developments regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and is in communication with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to receive the most up-to-date information for schools.

While new viruses are concerning, it is important to note that the immediate health risk to Minnesotans from COVID-19 is considered low. To date, only four individuals in Minnesota have been tested for the virus, and all four tests were negative. (There are 15 confirmed cases in the United States, including confirmed cases in Wisconsin and Illinois.) MDH shared this morning that based on initial assessment of the first 72,000 COVID-19 cases in China, the risk to young people also appears relatively low. Less than 2 percent of those cases occurred in individuals age 19 or younger.

CDC recommendations
At present, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health officials are recommending that schools and individuals take the same steps to protect against the coronavirus as are taken to prevent everyday illnesses like the common cold or flu.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when coughing or sneezing, or with a tissue. Throw the tissue in the trash immediately.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Additional steps we are taking
• The district is reviewing proactive, appropriate steps to take if needed.
• Additional district actions will be informed by state and national health agencies, and governed by Policy 420, which covers infectious diseases.

What you can do
Sick students and parents should avoid coming to school.
Families are welcome to donate a box of tissue for each student in order to ensure an adequate supply in each classroom.

International travel
Delano Public Schools does have students who have recently traveled internationally. Where appropriate, these individuals have complied with guidelines and refrained from returning to school until the required 14 days have passed. Government health agencies will continue to monitor these situations, and there is no cause for local concern in this regard.

Additional information
More details about the virus, guidelines for protection, and up-to-date information is available from the MDH’s COVID-19 website and the CDC’s COVID-19 website.

The health and safety of our students is of the utmost importance. We will continue to communicate regularly with MDE and MDH, and will share updates as needed.
 

Post Categories: Community Education, Elementary School, High School, Intermediate School