Coronavirus Anxiety Prompts Memo From San Ramon Valley Schools

SAN RAMON VALLEY, CA — The San Ramon Valley School District and schools across the 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.

On Monday SRVUSD shared with members of its school community that it is "monitoring this situation very closely in order to keep our schools safe."

Schools can't enforce quarantines, but the district asks families who have recently been to China to follow recommended protocols. Sick people are asked to stay home, per the district's Illness Guidelines.

"The SRVUSD reminds our families that students should not be treated differently on our campuses based on the perception of their race, country of origin, or recent travel," the district said.

SRVUSD said it is following the direction of the Contra Costa County Office of Education and county Public Health Department when it comes to coronavirus protocols.

The Dublin Unified School District and Pleasanton Unified School District have sent home similar notes.

The county continues to update a webpage with information about coronavirus, including information for people who have recently visited China, where the outbreak began.

Contra Costa County said residents are at low risk of infection and hospitals, paramedics and 911 operators are asking people about symptoms of the virus.

More information about coronavirus can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site.