Flu, Coronavirus Prompt Action From BCPS

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Baltimore County Public Schools gave an update on what it is doing to prevent the spread of viruses including the flu and new coronavirus. Five children and 40 adults have died in Maryland this flu season, according to the Maryland Department of Health. No cases of the new coronavirus have been found in the state.

"Baltimore County Public Schools administrators and staff are aware of and working proactively to address concerns regarding the spread of influenza and COVID 19 (novel coronavirus)," Superintendent Darryl Williams said in a statement Friday.

The update from Williams came the day after Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said there was "no immediate public health emergency here in Maryland" when it comes to the new coronavirus, where the threat level is low.

At the same time, the governor advised people and school systems to prepare and "actively plan" for the potential spread of the virus.

"Local schools and day cares should be prepared with contingency plans for potential long-term closures," Hogan said, citing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "CDC officials warn that while this situation may seem overwhelming, and that there may disruption to everyday life, maybe severe, these are the kinds of things that people should start planning for right now."

Flu has been a different story, as it is already taking a toll on people across the state. Hogan said that 40 Marylanders have died from influenza as of Thursday so far this flu season.

There is high influenza-like illness activity around the state and widespread geographic activity, according to the most recent information from state health officials.

To prevent the spread, people should wash their hands with soap and water frequently; avoid contact with sick people; stay home if they are sick with a flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after a fever passes without the use of medication; cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw it away; and avoid touching their face.

"This is still a period in Maryland where influenza is widespread, very very active and ... can be a very serious disease, particularly for people that have underlying health conditions," Fran Phillips, Maryland's deputy secretary for public health services, said Thursday. She told people that it was not too late to get the flu shot. (Here is the CDC's flu shot finder.)

Both flu and the new coronavirus have similar symptoms, according to authorities.

To address the spread of illness in general, Baltimore County Public Schools is taking steps that include cleaning and providing education and supplies.

"One of the precautionary measures that our employees are taking to prevent the spread of COVID 19, as well as all infectious diseases, includes effectively cleaning schools and office buildings," Williams said. "We are also encouraging staff and students to wash their hands regularly to prevent the spread of illness."

Said Williams: "School nurses have received detailed information about COVID 19 and steps that should be followed in schools. They have also received supplies for use in the unlikely case that a person was in a school with symptoms of COVID 19."

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Here is the full text of the BCPS coronavirus update issued Friday, Feb. 28:

Dear BCPS Families,

Baltimore County Public Schools administrators and staff are aware of and working proactively to address concerns regarding the spread of influenza and COVID 19 (novel coronavirus). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting that, at this time, the health risk to the general American public remains low; however, I want to update you on our efforts to ensure the health and safety of all students and staff in our buildings. We also want to educate staff, students, and community members about precautionary measures that can be taken.

Symptoms of influenza and COVID 19 are similar; persons infected with these viruses often have fever, cough, and shortness of breath. One of the precautionary measures that our employees are taking to prevent the spread of COVID 19, as well as all infectious diseases, includes effectively cleaning schools and office buildings. We are also encouraging staff and students to wash their hands regularly to prevent the spread of illness.

As a best practice for overall health, especially in the influenza season, the CDC recommends that individuals receive the flu vaccine (it’s not too late) and engage in everyday, preventative measures, to prevent the spread of germs, including:

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like flu.

Staff from our Office of Health Services remain in close communication with the Baltimore County Department of Health and monitor guidelines received from the CDC and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). School nurses have received detailed information about COVID 19 and steps that should be followed in schools. They have also received supplies for use in the unlikely case that a person was in a school with symptoms of COVID 19.

Please rest assured that we will continue to work collaboratively with the CDC, MDH, Baltimore County Health Department (BCHD), and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
Staff from the Office of Health Services is available to answer questions related to COVID 19 and the BCPS response. Nurses can be reached daily from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at 443-809-6368.
Please refer to the following resources for additional information:

• www.health.maryland.gov/coronavirus
• www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/.html
• https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/health/

Sincerely,

Darryl L. Williams, Ed.D.

Superintendent Baltimore County Public Schools