Milton Public Schools issues Coronavirus update

March 3, 2020

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff:

We continue to closely monitor the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and are writing to provide you with an update on our ongoing efforts to ensure the health and safety of all children, staff, parents and visitors.

As of today, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is reporting that for the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. There have also been no reported cases in or related to our schools. However, and this will come as no surprise, the situation continues to evolve.

We continue to adhere to our strict health and safety policies and are following expert guidance as provided by the CDC, local Board of Health and Department of Public Health. We are prepared to take the appropriate additional measures if the virus spreads within our community, as informed by experts.

In the meantime, we are taking a number of actions to ensure a healthy environment for members of the Milton Public Schools community. Please keep in mind that we cannot predict what precautions will be required in the future as this is a fluid situation.

At this time, our precautions include:

• Suggesting that any person who has traveled internationally to a country with an outbreak of Coronavirus within the last month not enter the school for a minimum of two weeks after their return to the United States. This includes staff, children, parents, those who are authorized to drop off or pick up children, or any other visitors. Similarly, any person who has come into direct contact with an infected person should not enter the school until they have been cleared medically. In the event that you are self-quarantining your child, please immediately contact your child’s principal. The school will work with you to ensure that work missed can be completed.
• Reviewing and ensuring the communication of our health and cleanliness protocols, including frequent hand washing for all staff and children, cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces, and separating any children with signs of illness, as well as protocols related to personal health such as staying home when sick and practicing healthy habits.
• Strict enforcement of our wellness policy to attend school. Any student with a temperature over 100.4 is expected to stay out of school until fever free for 24 hours without medication.
• Working with our custodial service providers to ensure frequent cleaning of desks and bathroom checks to ensure soap and paper towels are in stock and available throughout the school day. Be assured that our after school cleaning protocols continue and will utilize both products and protocols that will help minimize the spread of the virus.

We remind you that if you are notified that your child has become sick, please pick your child up as quickly as possible. Your child may return to school after illness only under the following conditions:

• Your child has been fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medicines, and the child is no longer contagious. If your child left school with a fever, he/she may not return the following day, and
• Your child has been symptom free of vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours, and the child can tolerate a typical diet, and
• Your child is able to participate in the daily routine and curriculum of the classroom, including outside play, and
• A physician’s note is required in all instances of contagious diseases.

Additionally, no parent or any other person authorized to drop off or pick up your child should enter the school if they are sick or have symptoms of illness. If you suspect that your child has been exposed to anything contagious, please keep them out of school and inform us at once.

Finally, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• 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. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.

Additional information for the U.S. is available on the CDC website:

• CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Information Page
• CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) FAQ
• CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) FAQ – Children
• CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Prevention and Treatment
• Travel Advisories

As always, we remain focused on providing your children with an exceptional education every day, and we recognize that this is only possible if we are providing a safe and healthy environment. Further, we define this safe and healthy environment to include inclusive, welcoming schools and so we will be watchful for any culturally insensitive remarks or behavior toward any particular group in general and specifically related to the origin and spread of the Corona Virus. We appreciate your partnership and support and are available to answer any questions you may have. We will remain in contact with you as this situation develops

Sincerely,

Mary C. Gormley, Superintendent
Kimberly A. Coughlin, Director of Nursing