Hillsborough School Officials Address Coronavirus Concerns

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Township school officials are continuing with a "rigorous cleaning routine" at the schools in the district to try to alleviate concerns about the novel coronavirus recently dubbed COVID-19.

Acting Superintendent Dr. Lisa M. Antunes sent out a letter to parents on Friday addressing the district's preparations regarding the potentially deadly virus.

"The safety of our students and staff is a top priority in Hillsborough Township and preparedness is an important aspect to ensure that safety. As you may be aware, an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread throughout China and to 31 other countries, including the United States," Antunes said.

There was one suspected coronavirus case in New Jersey this weekend that turned out to be negative, the state Department of Health reported late Saturday. There are no other people in New Jersey who are currently diagnosed with the disease or awaiting testing for the virus that causes COVID-19. (See Related: Update On Probe Into Suspected Coronavirus Case In NJ)

Officials say there have been more than 85,000 cases and nearly 3,000 deaths worldwide. More than 60 cases of the coronavirus have been diagnosed in the United States.

"In Hillsborough, everyone, including building-based administrators, school nurses, and our maintenance and custodial staff are working together to ensure that our rigorous cleaning routine remains intact; this includes wiping desks and other surface areas with disinfectant on a regular basis and frequently changing garbage bags. Absences continue to be monitored and appropriate school-based precautions are in place," Antunes said.

Additionally, Antunes said district administrators are working on plans for how they may support students and maintain instruction in the event of a district-wide, long-term closure.

"We will continue to provide excellent and appropriate educational opportunities for children and will remain focused in this endeavor. Should your child(ren) become upset or display increased anxiety or concern about these current events, please encourage him/her to seek the assistance of a trusted adult, including the school counselor," Antunes said.

Parents and students were also encouraged to follow preventive steps to help reduce the spread of illness including reinforcing the importance of frequent handwashing, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or coughing or sneezing into the elbow.

Parents should also keep children who are sick home from school. And if you or members of your family have recently visited those parts of the world identified as encountering higher rates of infection (China, South Korea, Japan, Italy, France, Iran, Hong Kong, etc.) and are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness, they should reach out to the local health department as well as the school nurse, and seek immediate medical attention.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.