Here's How Danbury Schools Are Prepping For Coronavirus

DANBURY, CT — As the United States braces for a possible outbreak of the new coronavirus, schools across the country have been reviewing and revising protocols in attempts to limit its spread in their communities.

Although the risk is still low in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said now is the time for businesses, schools, hospitals and other institutions to begin preparing for a possible outbreak, including disruption to daily life.

In Danbury, Superintendent Sal Pascarella said his office has been reviewing procedures and protocols in the same way they would prepare for a possible hurricane. In the case of the new virus, schools are working from a checklist his office has assembled from guidelines provided by the state department and other national organizations.

COVID-19 is caused by 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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending people clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. The agency also advises people to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing.

"We are [reviewing] what we call 'cleaning protocols,'" Pascarella said. "Making sure all of them are being done, and maybe adding some."

Most of the procedural tweaks and clamp-downs will likely be invisible to parents and students, but at least one has the potential of dashing a few Hatter dreams.

The United States government has advised citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Italy, which has seen one of the largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of Asia. The stern recommendation may affect Danbury High School's planned trip to the country, scheduled for July.

"We have alerted the sponsors to talk to the parents, that there may be a cancellation," Pascarella told Patch.

Fortunately for high school hoops players and fans, the new virus scare has not impacted gatherings for sporting events at schools statewide for the most part.

Pascarella says his office is highly focused on avoiding delivering conflicting information. He has designated Kathy O’Dowd, who coordinates health and nursing services for the schools, as the "nexus" for all communications to the school nurses. O'Dowd takes her marching orders from Lisa Morrissey, the director of health for the City of Danbury.

As of Monday morning, Governor Ned Lamont said there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Connecticut. Just north in Massachusetts, one person has been confirmed to have the virus. The UMass-Boston student is recovering, officials said last week.

Regional health officials have said the risk of a serious outbreak is low.

This story includes reporting by Patch editors Tim Jensen, Mike Carraggi and Ellyn Santiago.