This from Manchester Community Schools:
Dear Manchester Families and Staff:
Manchester Community Schools has been closely following recent media reports and information from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Global efforts are currently underway to contain the spread of the virus and mitigate its impact. The Federal Government and several Indiana and local governmental agencies are working closely with both national and regional public health partners to respond to this threat.
Outbreaks like this are always troublesome. Some parents and students might be worried about this virus and how it may impact our schools and communities. Be assured that we are aware of these concerns and are proactively working to ensure our schools are safe for all students and staff. The safety of our students and employees is paramount. This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and we will provide updated information as it becomes available.
Based on the current information, health officials are recommending local communities and schools take the same steps to protect against COVID-19 that are taken to prevent the spread of common colds or influenza:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 10-20 seconds. If soap and water are not available use a greater than 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid handshaking! Use a fist bump slight bow, elbow bump, etc.
- Use only your knuckle to touch light switches, elevator buttons, etc. Lift the gasoline dispenser with a paper towel or use a disposable glove.
- Open doors with your closed fist or hip – do not grasp the handle with your hand unless there is no other way to open the door. Especially important on the bathroom and post office/commercial doors.
- Use disinfectant wipes when they are available, including the surfaces of furniture and items that might be shared by multiple individuals.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If your child is sick, please keep them home until they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Our health services staff, custodial staff and administrators work alongside each other in order to plan and respond to health concerns. Our school nurse, teachers and staff are working with our students to encourage these simple and effective habits of frequent handwashing, covering every cough or sneeze and cleaning tables/surfaces frequently. This is important not just to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, but to help prevent the spread of other infections that can lead to student and staff illness and absences.
Thank you for your continued support of Manchester Community Schools.