Carlsbad: Coronavirus (covid-19) Update And Resources As Of February 28, 2020

From the Carlsbad Unified School District:

February 28, 2020

Carlsbad Unified families and staff,

As you are likely aware, earlier this week the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) gave a press conference updating the country on the current status of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and what steps should be taken moving forward. We wanted to share with you some of the steps Carlsbad Unified School District is taking to plan for the possible spread of the coronavirus in our community. Additional information can be found on our website.

As the CDC emphasized, and as we shared on February 26, there is not currently a coronavirus pandemic in the United States. A pandemic occurs when a disease is spreading from a variety of sources across a large region, and the number of cases across the US is still small. However, given how quickly the global situation is evolving, we are monitoring new developments and will continue to reevaluate our steps and actions daily.

In the meantime, the most effective way to stay healthy and minimize the spread of infectious disease is to follow basic health best practices like:

• Enforcing great hygiene, like washing hands thoroughly and covering up coughs/sneezes
• Asking all faculty, staff, and students who are feeling ill to stay home until they recover.

Earlier today we sent an email to all staff, recommending that teachers and other staff review with students effective hand washing techniques and general principles for minimizing the risk of virus transmission (for example, encouraging all students to keep unwashed hands out of their mouths and eyes; encouraging all students to use antibacterial soap; discouraging the sharing of food; etc.).

We encourage families to reiterate and reinforce these practices at home, especially with younger students. Here are two resources you may find helpful:

• A one-page handout from the CDC on stopping the spread of germs.
• A web page from the CDC with tips for families on proper handwashing.

Our district leadership team is prepared to alter our procedures and planning should the situation change. We are also thinking ahead regarding the impact spring travel and other non-typical school activities will have in the context of the coronavirus. We will communicate any changes affirmatively when the time is appropriate.

It is important to remember that handling the spread of a serious contagion like the coronavirus is led primarily by public health agencies. Any directives from the World Health Organization, CDC, or local governmental organizations should be followed.

We are collaborating closely with the City of Carlsbad and the San Diego County Office of Education, and we are receiving regular updates and guidance from the County of San Diego Health and Human Services, the California Department of Education, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

We are particularly grateful for the strength and togetherness of our Carlsbad community. Please continue to look for further communications from us on this matter.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ben Churchill

Superintendent

This press release was produced by the Carlsbad Unified School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.