Coronavirus Anxiety Prompts Memo From Dublin Schools

DUBLIN, CA — The Dublin Unified School District and school districts across Tri-Valley have sent home notices to parents in recent days, reassuring them that students are unlikely to become infected with the coronavirus from China and reminding them that sick kids should be kept home.

The new virus is a member of the coronavirus family that’s a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past. The virus has killed more than 630 people and sickened 31,400, CNN reported Friday.

There have been no confirmed cases in East Bay.

The Dublin Unified School District shared an update with members of its campus community last week, notifying families that they were monitoring the situation and Alameda County residents are at low risk to become infected with coronavirus.

The district noted that the coronavirus outbreak comes amid cold and flu season, and people should continue to be mindful of hygiene.

"Unless a public health agency provides guidance to the contrary, the District will not exclude asymptomatic students or staff from a school site based on their recent overseas travel," DUSD wrote. "The District certainly has no right to exclude students and staff based on their race or country of origin."

DUSD asks parents of sick kids to keep their kids home. Sick kids will be sent home if a nurse or staff member determines they are ill.

The San Ramon Valley Unified School District and Pleasanton Unified School District have sent home similar notes.

The county has asked people who have visited mainland China since Jan. 21 to stay home and avoid public, work or school gatherings.

Anyone with questions about coronavirus may call the county public health department at 510-267-3250. More information about coronavirus can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site.