March 4, 2020
Dear Shaker Heights Schools Community,
I am writing to update our February 27, 2020, message regarding the recent global outbreak of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. Now that the virus has spread outside its origins in China, federal health officials are preparing for a likely outbreak in the United States. To date, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio.
We also are in contact with our travel planning partners handling upcoming school-sponsored international and domestic trips to assess travel guidelines related to COVID-19. We are monitoring health warnings for the destination communities daily, as well as assessing any other possible travel disruptions.
While we don’t yet know if coronavirus advisories will affect any of our trips, we are preparing for any circumstance. This includes creating updated briefings for trip chaperones about minimizing risks here or abroad and what to do if a student becomes ill while on the trip. The advisories regarding the coronavirus are subject to sudden change so we will continue to monitor them.
Meanwhile, health officials stress a series of common-sense protections for our students, staff and community:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.
- Stay at home if you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Please note that the CDC does not recommend the use of facemasks by people who are well.
In addition to these measures, we are following all recommendations from the CDC to clean classrooms, bathrooms, cafeterias and other public areas.
The health and safety of our students is always our top priority. My thanks for your continued support and we will keep you informed as things develop.
Sincerely,
Dr. David Glasner, Superintendent
Shaker Heights City School District