Fist Bumping Encouraged At Princeton Schools: Coronavirus Update

PRINCETON, NJ — Fist bumps, elbow bumps, waves and bows are being encouraged as alternative and creative ways to greet one another in Princeton Schools. This is just one of the many steps the district is taking to alleviate concerns about the novel coronavirus recently dubbed COVID-19.

Princeton Superintendent Steve Cochrane sent out an update Friday to parents with eight actions the district has put in place after working with state agencies and local health experts.

"We are encouraging our students and staff to avoid shaking hands and instead find other creative ways to greet one another, for example fist bumps, elbow bumps, waves and bows. This simple form of 'social distancing' helps to curb the spread of any virus. Our local health officials will advise us if other forms of limiting contact need to be implemented, but at this point we can proceed with extracurricular activities, assemblies and other gatherings," Cochrane said.

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Other actions listed by Cochrane include:

1. Education Regarding Hygiene: Nurses have received instructions to teach elementary students about basic precautions, such as washing hands frequently and not touching anywhere above their neck (for example, nose, mouth, eyes). Adults should also follow these suggestions. Hand washing should last for at least 20 seconds (or singing 'Happy Birthday' twice). It takes this long for soap and water to dissolve the virus’s protective outer lipid layer. At the middle and high school, health teachers are also doing additional lessons on hand washing and respiratory hygiene.
2. Cleaning: Custodians are cleaning door handles, railings, and other frequently touched surfaces on a regular basis. The district technology department is implementing more frequent cleaning of computer keyboards. The inside of all buses are being cleaned on a regular basis. In addition, each school and the transportation department has received a special electrostatic sprayer that covers a wide area with a mild disinfectant. Not only does it kill corona and other viruses on surfaces, but its mist surrounds the surfaces making it more effective. Earlier this winter, PPS had two schools with high incidences of flu and these devices were used with great success to minimize illnesses. Click here to see a video of the sprayer in action.
3. Travel Precautions: With the cooperation of the Princeton Health Department, the district has asked individuals and families to self-quarantine if they have traveled to China or other high-risk locations and may have been exposed to the virus. Italy, Iran and South Korea are now also on the "Level 3" list of countries with widespread contagion. More details about this will be provided in a subsequent letter. In the meantime, please consult the CDC website about foreign travel particularly as you plan for future trips including any over Spring Break.
4. Responding to Illness: School nurses are working with the Princeton Health Department and our school physician to implement protocols and procedures in line with current guidance from the NJ Department of Health for any sick students and adults seen in the Health Office. This includes putting a mask on students and adults who have a cough or fever and difficulty breathing. We are also carefully monitoring daily attendance rates across all schools. Please know that our nurses will be following NJ Department of Health guidelines and sending students home if their temperature is greater than 100 degrees.
5. Monitoring Health at Home: We ask families and staff to be extra vigilant in monitoring the health of children and their own health. Students and staff should not return to school until they are fever free for at least 24 hours without fever reducing medications. We ask parents and guardians to follow the same guidance and not enter school buildings when sick to help limit the spread of all illness to the school community.
6. Remote Learning: We are developing plans for remote instruction should it become necessary to close our schools for an extended period of time. The district is working to assist families who may not have access to computers or internet service at home. PPS uses Power School Learning as our platform for digital learning. We encourage all parents to check now and confirm they can access their child(ren)’s class websites by logging into Power School Learning. More instructions are on our website here. If you haven't set up an account, it's a two-part process. First, set up your Parent Portal account. (Information with how to set up this account was sent at the beginning of the year.) If you need to confirm your access ID or password please reach out to your child’s guidance counselor. Once the Parent Portal account is set up, you can set up your Power School Learning account. If you need to reset your password for Power School Learning, please email the technology assistant at your school.
7. Talking to Children: Please remember that it is important to remain calm when talking to your child about the coronavirus. To help guide your discussion, please see the advice of the National Association of School Psychologists, Taking to Children about COVID-19 (attachment).

The number of new coronavirus cases in New Jersey nearly doubled since Sunday now that 5 additional cases were identified. The state's overall number is now 11. (See Related: NJ Coronavirus Cases Nearly Double: 11 Confirmed)

Princeton University announced Monday they will begin having virtual instruction in light of concerns. (See Related: Princeton U. To Begin Virtual Instruction Due To Coronavirus Concern)

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