Brick Schools Increase Sanitizing Amid Coronavirus Concerns

BRICK, NJ — The Brick Township Schools have stepped up sanitizing of surfaces throughout the school district as officials continue to closely monitor developments with the coronavirus.

The district has been been undergoing enhanced cleaning and sanitizing that includes door knobs, desks, bathroom fixtures, and other frequently shared items, Superintendent Thomas Farrell said in a letter to district staff and parents last week.

Bus drivers in the district are wiping down bus seats on a regular basis as well, he said.

There have been no cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) identified in Ocean County as of Monday evening, but health officials are closely monitoring the spread of the virus in the state. Two cases have been identified in neighboring Monmouth County, and 11 identified across the state.

On Monday evening, Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency, allowing state agencies and departments to utilize state resources to assist affected communities responding to and recovering from COVID-19 cases. Read more: NJ Gov. Murphy Declares State Of Emergency Because Of Coronavirus

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Farrell reiterated the advice from the Centers for Disease Control, urging parents and children to practice everyday preventative behaviors, including:

• Reminding children to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue or their sleeve when they sneeze or cough, instead of their hands;
• To wash their with soap and water for 20 seconds, frequently and especially after going to the bathroom, after sneezing or coughing, and before eating;
• Avoid people who are sick;
• Stay home or keep children home if they are sick and until they have been fever-free without medication for at least 24 hours;

Additional information on prevention measures can be found here (Prevention for 2019 Novel Coronavirus).

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