To: District 40 Faculty, Staff, and Families March 12, 2020
Re: Coronavirus Update
Dear District 40 Families,
As each day or hour passes and we learn of more precautions taking place as they pertain to activities where large crowds may gather, I want to provide you an update of things taking place locally in our district, regionally in St. Clair County Schools, and throughout the State of Illinois.
Here in our buildings and on our buses, we are asking staff to pay greater attention to disinfecting tables, chairs, door handles, light switches, drinking fountains, bus seats, and other commonly touched surfaces on a daily basis. Hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes are and will be made available as needed.
Regionally, county superintendents met this morning and received an update from the St. Clair County Health Department, who shared that while there are ‘no known cases’ in the county (all 25 located in Chicago), they continue to recommend the following ways to prevent the spread of the virus to our staff and students:
• If you have a fever (100.4), cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical care and follow the advice of your healthcare provider.
• Maintain at least 3 to 6 feet between yourself and another person who is sneezing or coughing.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water (20 seconds minimum).
• Use an alcohol-based hand rub or sanitizer when washing hands is not possible.
• Avoid touching your face without first washing your hands.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
At our meeting, it was discussed at great length that our county’s schools will likely join together in the decision-making process, working closely with local community/county leadership- especially with the county health department, who receives guidance from the Illinois Dept. of Public Health. Decisions pertaining to the cancellation of events, at this point, are still to be made at the local level. Our hope is that we will continue to be able to hold classes and events as usual for the remainder of the year; but if there is a change, we will communicate that to you immediately.
Respectfully,
Jeff Strieker, Superintendent
Health Dept.: 618-825-4434 (daily); 618-301-2907 (hotline);
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html