Saint Paul Public Schools Publish COVID-19 Update For Families

From Saint Paul Public Schools:

Dear Saint Paul Public Schools families:

"As you may be aware, Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) and the Saint Paul Federation of Educators reached a settlement early this morning. Classes for all students will resume on Monday, March 16. For more information, please visit spps.org/negotiations.

In the meantime, SPPS has been updating our plans surrounding the novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). At this time, the guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is not to close schools without a confirmed case in the school community. The reasons for this decision are as follows:

• There are no confirmed cases in students or staff members
• People age 19 and under are at the lowest risk of contracting the disease
• Current evidence does not show that closing schools is effective in limiting the spread of COVID-19
• Students will congregate in other places if school is closed; at school, they are in a safe and supervised environment where social distancing and other preventative measures are in place
• Closing schools has a disproportionate impact on parents/families, school staff, and students who rely on school to meet their basic needs

In accordance with MDH’s most recent guidelines, SPPS is taking the following actions now:

• All large school-sponsored gatherings and activities, including dances, plays, sporting events and concerts, are canceled or postponed effective immediately until further notice
• All external events for more than 250 people that use SPPS facilities will be canceled
• All planned field trips, and district-sponsored out-of-state and international travel, have been canceled until further notice
• Custodial staff are increasing disinfectant procedures, prioritizing high-touch areas such as door handles, hand railings, desks and bathrooms
• Student Health and Wellness and Human Resources are monitoring illness trends for students and staff. When thresholds are met, a building-wide disinfection will occur
• Distance learning plans are in place should they become necessary as the pandemic continues to evolve
• If your child has an underlying medical condition that may increase their risk, work with their teacher/special education teacher to discuss options for distance learning

When a presumptive or confirmed case of COVID-19 is identified, the building will be shut down for a minimum of 24 hours for thorough disinfection, and further recommendations from local and state public health and worker protection standards will be followed. No one will be permitted to re-enter until disinfection procedures are completed.

All students, staff, and families are encouraged to stay home when sick. If you or your children are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, please call your healthcare provider. Further guidance is also available by calling the MDH Hotline at 651-201-3920. Everyone is advised to continue illness prevention measures, including regular handwashing, covering your cough, and avoiding touching your face as much as possible.

We are all in a unique and unprecedented time. As always, your students’ health and wellness is our primary concern. As we continue to monitor this evolving situation, we will update you on decisions that are being made. Please continue to monitor our SPPS COVID-19 webpage for the latest information."

This press release was produced by Saint Paul Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.