Coronavirus: Fulton County Schools Plan For Potential Outbreak

FULTON COUNTY, GA — The Fulton County School District is taking precaution in case of an outbreak of the new coronavirus, the district said Monday. 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 it is following guidance from the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Fulton County Schools is aware of the statements made by the CDC regarding the potential threat of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States. As we are updated by the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH), we will continue to follow the lead of local, state, and federal agencies. The GDPH has provided us with information via this link for you.

Please be aware that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is asking school officials, as well as childcare centers and workplaces, to prepare for a possible outbreak. Currently, there are no confirmed cases in Fulton County, or Georgia. FCS is working closely with local and state health officials in the event cases progress to our region. Additionally, in response to the CDC's public comments that were recently shared in the media, we wanted to provide information about our coronavirus (COVID-19) planning.

• We are reinforcing the importance of healthy hygiene with our students and employees
• Should a confirmed case occur, we will immediately inform our school community
• FCS has a plan to address a potential pandemic, including a Continuity of Learning component
• In the event of a school closing, we can convert instruction to a digital format to ensure continuation of instruction

Currently, we are reviewing our existing pandemic plan and making the necessary revisions to respond to COVID-19 scenarios. The plan is fluid and sections will be updated as new information becomes available. FCS's response plan addresses the specific activities necessary to keep schools open and operating while providing a clean and safe environment during an outbreak and the essential functions that must be performed by FCS, if schools are closed. While the full impact of an outbreak cannot be predicted, planning for operations under such conditions can lessen the impact of the event on our students, staff, facilities and mission. The health and safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.

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.