Earlier today I attended a conference call with Dr. Chris Spitters from the Snohomish Health Department. Here is an update on the current situation in Snohomish County and the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, as it relates to schools, and our current response as a school district.
The current recommendation from SHD is that we communicate with individuals who are in one or more of the groups at greater risk due to COVID-19. This group includes those who are: 60 years of age, have an underlying medical condition (like heart disease, lung disease or diabetes), have weakened immune systems, or pregnant. At present there are no additional advisories for these individuals beyond those for the general public (hand washing, covering coughs, staying home if sick, etc.). The advice of SHD is that at-risk individuals consult with their primary care provider for more information if they are concerned about carrying out normal daily activities.
SHD is advising schools to practice a strategy of disease prevention known as social distancing. In addition to other disease prevention strategies, the policy prescribes the limiting of non-essential gatherings in large groups (greater than 50 people), avoiding handshakes and other gestures, and restrictions on non-essential travel outside the District. As such we are placing a moratorium on new field trips, performances and other gatherings. Principals and activity directors will look at currently scheduled events and assess on a case-by-case basis. I have asked principals to work with staff to identify ways to move as many parent-teacher conferences and other meetings to telephone as reasonably possible.
SHD made it very clear in today's conference that they are not recommending school closures at this time. Their goal, as well as ours, is to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community through simple, common sense measures. In addition, we have heightened our efforts toward disinfecting our schools throughout the school day. I will continue to share updates with the staff and community as the situation develops and more information becomes available.
Sincerely,
Dr. Buck Marsh, Superintendent
