Coronavirus: Forsyth County Schools Plan For Potential Outbreak

FORSYTH COUNTY, GA — The Forsyth County School District is taking precaution in case of an outbreak of the new coronavirus, the district said on Friday. The new Coronavirus virus, which originated in China is now called COVID-19. It's caused by a member of the Coronavirus that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses.

In a statement, the school district said its following guidance from the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Forsyth County Schools (FCS) does not have a confirmed case of coronavirus in our schools. If this was to occur, we will notify staff and parents/guardians within the school.

We are aware of the concerns of our community, as well as the recent statements from the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO). FCS has had online learning days over the past six years for inclement weather and could use this option if needed for health reasons.

FCS will continue to follow CDC recommendations to prevent any infection of a respiratory virus, which includes to:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when sick.
• Cough or sneeze into an elbow or use a tissue and place immediately in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If a student or staff member shows respiratory symptoms, our school nurses will follow standard precautions and work with our district departments and the Health Department to further research individual/family travel histories.

FCS encourages families to follow the CDC’s information for travel. We request that parents/guardians notify their school principal if a child or member of their family has been to China or South Korea (both are on the CDC’s Warning Level 3 traveler’s list) and recently returned to our community. Out of an abundance of caution, we request that these children wait for the 14-day incubation period (beginning the day of return to the U.S.) to expire before enrolling in school or returning to school. We will not count these absences, and children will be provided online learning during this period and technology/access if needed.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students and staff safe.

SEE MORE: An Outbreak Of Coronavirus Misinformation: AP Fact Check

The CDC says the overall risk of coronavirus to the public is low. Still, the best way to prevent infection from this or any other respiratory virus is:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Learn more about the outbreak on the CDC website.