Greetings,
I want you to know that we are staying in communication with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) on the latest updates of COVID-19. Information is changing everyday and nearly every hour. Our number one priority is the safety of students and staff. We will err on the side of caution more than on the side of convenience but we will strive to be rational.
The governor has stated:
Unless students and staff are found to be at risk, schools do not need to take any special precautions beyond the normal recommendations to prevent the spread of viruses in schools. To reduce the risk for getting and spreading viral respiratory infections, including the flu and the common cold, encourage them to take simple steps to help prevent COVID-19. These include:
Staying home when they are sick.
Frequent hand washing with soap and water. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Advising people to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Following the school's routine cleaning and disinfection program.
Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Urging students and staff to get a flu shot during the flu season.
Providing adequate supplies for good hygiene.
The governor also stated:
All citizens are asked to review and rethink travel plans to consider whether plans will put themselves or others at higher risk of transmission. School districts should evaluate school-sponsored travel plans and ask school-district employees to consider risks associated with their personal travel plans, including spring break.
Yesterday I met with the school nurses and they have put some protocols in place to follow until the end of the school year.
If you have fever stay home until you are fever free for 24 hours.
All students that come to the nurse not feeling well will be checked for fever every 1.5 hours. If a fever of 99 and above is detected, they will be sent home. Students need to stay home until they are fever free for 24 hours.
Students and staff that have traveled outside of the U.S. are advised to stay at home and monitor for symptoms until 14 days have passed from their departure from that country, while limiting interaction with others. Once 14 days have passed without any symptoms of illness, CDC recommends these travelers be allowed to return to school and public activities.
As with any contagious disease, the best approach is prevention. Please follow the recommendations below:
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Cover coughs and sneezes with tissue or inside of the elbow.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Stay home when sick.
Again, we will act with caution and rationale to maintain the health and safety of our students and staff. As more information becomes available, we will provide updates on any of our procedures.
Thank you for helping prevent the spread of illness throughout our district and community.
Sincerely,
Jim Tucker, Superintendent
El Dorado School District