Coronavirus Update From Howard County Schools Superintendent

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Superintendent Michael Martirano reassured parents this week that all Howard County Public School System schools are stocked with soap, water and paper towels so that students can frequently wash their hands. The district also has purchased and provided schools with additional hand sanitizer stations.

"Additionally, students are permitted to bring their own hand sanitizer to school. If needed, staff will make adjustments to the school schedule in order to provide adequate time for students to wash their hands – particularly before lunch," Martirano said in a statement.

Martirano addressed parents after Maryland Gov. Hogan announced three confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in the state.

"All three cases are located in Montgomery County and are contained," Martirano said.

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He also shared that he has been in contact with Howard County Health Officer Dr. Maura Rossman who in turn has been communicating with state health officials.

"Dr. Rossman shared that proper precautions and procedures were followed in these cases, minimizing risk to fellow Maryland residents. She also shared that the best thing each of us can do is continue to monitor our health and practice the following enhanced precautions as recommended by the Howard County Health Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention," said Martirano.

Those safety precautions are:

• Washing 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
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Staying home when you are sick
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash (or coughing/sneezing into your sleeve or elbow)
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched objects and surfaces

"As stated by Gov. Hogan ... Maryland residents should continue to go to work and children to school. HCPSS schools and scheduled activities will continue until a change is deemed necessary by local and state health professionals," said Martirano.