Novel Coronavirus Update From Gilroy Unified School District

From the Gilroy Unified School District:

February 28, 2020

Dear GUSD staff and families:
With the cold and flu season upon us and concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we wanted to provide you with the most recent information from the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health, along with tips to help you stay healthy this season. As of February 27, 2020, county health officials report the immediate health risk to the general public is low. However, with further transmission expected nationally and locally, the time to prepare is now.

While most of the people sickened with COVID-19 have been older adults, we are working with the Santa Clara County Office of Education and the Santa Clara County Public Health professionals to establish protocols for schools and to prepare for disruptions that could result from a possible outbreak in our region. Planning is ongoing.

In the meantime, we remain diligent in our efforts to clean frequently touched surfaces and objects such as desks, keyboard and doorknobs. Additionally, we are encouraging hand hygiene in locations readily accessible to students and staff.

At this time, students and school staff should go about their daily lives and practice the same precautions they normally take during cold and flu season. To help prevent the spread of any respiratory virus, follow these important tips from the CDC.

As a reminder, all children and staff members with a fever of (>100.4 F / >38C) should remain home from school and other activities until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the assistance of medication.

It is important to remember that handling the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19 is primarily a task for public health agencies. Any directives from the World Health Organization, CDC, or Santa Clara County Public Health should be followed, including travel restrictions. Visit the Santa Clara County Public Health Department website and the CDC website for more information. The Gilroy Unified School District is also providing updates from the Santa Clara County Office of Education and the Santa Clara County Public Health Department on our website.

We encourage you to begin thinking about your personal contingency plans for child care and transportation should there be a potential impact to schools in the future.

In times like this, we are particularly grateful for the strength and togetherness of this community. The safety and wellness of our students and staff are a priority, and we thank you for your cooperation and support in helping us maintain a healthy and safe learning environment.

Respectfully,
Deborah A. Flores, Ph.D.
Superintendent, Gilroy Unified School District

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