Sachem Schools Cancel Field Trips & Activities For Rest Of Week

LAKE RONKONKOMA, NY — The Sachem Central School District has cancelled all field trips and after-school activities beginning after 5 p.m. for the remainder of this week, Superintendent Kenneth E. Graham told parents and guardians in a Wednesday letter. The decision was made as the district became aware of positive cases of the new coronavirus within the Sachem community.

"We have been in contact with the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, which has
advised us that these individuals do not have any direct connection to our students or staff," Graham wrote. "Therefore, following the guidance of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services and the New York State Department of Health, there is no need to cancel school or school-related events at this time."

Don't miss updates about precautions in your area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

The district's primary concern is the health and safety of its students, staff and community, Graham said. The district started to intensify cleaning throughout its buildings and will follow all directions from public health officials. The cancellations of field trips and post-school activities will allow extra time for the buildings to be cleansed. Parents are asked to contact their child's principal with any questions.

"According to public health officials, the way COVID‐19 is spread is very similar to the flu and common colds," Graham said. "The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the regular seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Additional symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, have also been reported."

Anyone who needs medical care should call their physician's office to report their illnesses before going to the clinic, doctor's office or hospital.

Parents of students or staff members exhibiting symptoms are asked to call the New York State Coronavirus Hotline: 1-888-364-3065

"We remain committed to staying vigilant regarding any developments of COVID-19 and will take the appropriate steps necessary to protect the health of all of our students, staff and school community," Graham said. "For the most accurate and timely information on the virus, please visit the NYS Department of Health or the CDC website."

The superintendent also suggested families discuss contingency plans with their children if the Sachem Central School District must close schools in the future.

Coronavirus in New York

• Coronavirus In New Rochelle: Life At The Epicenter
• SUNY, CUNY Schools Switching To Distance Learning
• First Suffolk Coronavirus Patient In 'Fair Condition, Improving'
• 'Eerie': Commuters Report Quiet LIRR And Car Trips To Work
• New York State Of Emergency: What Does It Mean And Why?
• Bayview Elementary School Employee Contracts Coronavirus
• Doctors Use Tents, Car Exams, Hotlines To Prevent Coronavirus Spread
• NICE Bus Will Sanitize Vehicles To Prevent Coronavirus Spread
• Coronavirus Forces Nassau Community College To Close
• Adelphi University Closes As Coronavirus Precaution
• Molloy College Preemptively Closing In Face Of Coronavirus
• Stony Brook University Shifts Classes, Finals Online
• Mount Saint Mary College To Move Classes Online Temporarily
• Businesses Modify Practices Amid COVID-19 Worries
• Town of Babylon Taking Steps To Address Coronavirus Outbreak
• North Fork Woman Voluntarily Self-Quarantines After Italy Trip
• Coronavirus: 1-Mile Containment Area In New Rochelle
• Coronavirus Closing New York School Districts
• Coronavirus Sparks Town's Temporary Suspension Of Senior Programs
• Positive Coronavirus Test For Scarsdale Youth Hockey Assn. Player
• New Rochelle Rabbi Tests Positive For Coronavirus
• Tappan Zee High School Staffer Self-Quarantined
• Coronavirus: Tuckahoe Schools To Close For 2 Weeks
• White Plains, Yonkers Cancel St. Patrick's Day Parades
• New Rochelle Senior Center To Close Due To Coronavirus