Coronavirus Guidance Updated For PG County Schools

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Prince George's County Public School students won't need a note from a doctor if they miss more than three days due to sickness, according to updated guidance from PGCPS Chief Executive Officer Monica Goldson. The guidance was updated to address concerns over the new coronavirus, which is also known as COVID-19. A note from a parent along with contact information will suffice.

"Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) continues to adhere to guidance and direction from county and state health departments for the well-being of all students and staff," Goldson wrote, in a letter to PG County students, staff and families. "We encourage parents and guardians to keep their children home from school if they are sick."

Starting this week, PGCPS will also designate times during the school day for younger students to wash their hands. Older students will be reminded to do the same.

Health officials urge residents to take these steps to avoid the virus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Avoid contact with sick people.

A person who tested positive for the new coronavirus attended political action conference in Maryland about a week ago, according to officials. The individual does not work or live in PG County, according to Goldson's letter.

"Please note that after additional consultation with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), any missed days of school or work due to coronavirus-related closures will be treated the same as inclement weather/emergency closings," Goldson wrote. "Any classroom or work assignments will be made up when the building reopens.

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Goldson encouraged families to update their contact information by sending any phone number changes to information@pgcps.org. Also, parents and guardians should make sure their child's school has their emergency contact information. For more information about COVID-19, visit the PG County website.

The Maryland Department of Health is encouraging anyone who attended the Conservative Political Action Conference at National Harbor to take their temperature twice a day. If it exceeds 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or if they develop a respiratory illness, they should contact their health care provider and remain at home until getting further instructions, according to state authorities.

Related:

• 3 Have New Coronavirus; MD Governor Declares State Of Emergency
• MD Coronavirus Patients Were At 2 Public Events, Hogan Concerned
• Coronavirus Testing Costs Waived In Maryland

COVID-19 Fast Facts

• Coronavirus refers to a family of different viruses. For instance, the common cold is a coronavirus. So is SARS. COVID-19, however, is a new strain.
• Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning that they can spread between people and animals.
• Symptoms include a fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
• COVID-19 can spread between people who are about 6 feet apart from each other and through respiratory droplets (produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes), the CDC says.
• An infected person may not experience symptoms for up to 14 days.