Coronavirus Prep: CHUH Schools Precautions To Prevent Outbreak

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools recently outlined the precautions employed by the district to prevent an outbreak of the new coronavirus.

"Our school nurses have protocols in place should a student exhibit signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and other viruses," Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby said in a letter to the community.

COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past. There are currently no confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Ohio.

"Our Building Standards require that all student desks are wiped down each day with a disinfectant. In their daily duties, building cleaning staff disinfect virtually all touch surfaces. Hand sanitizers are available in most classrooms and common spaces," Kirby said.

The district also owns and uses a Clorox 360 machine, an electronic sprayer which spreads cleaning chemicals.

"The unit kills cold and flu viruses, MRSA, norovirus and many other contagious diseases. The machine would be used in the event of a suspected case of COVID-19 or other serious, contagious illness," Kirby said.

The district's nurses are also keeping an eye on directives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Ohio Department of Health and other health officials, a district spokesperson told Patch.

The Heights Schools said parents and children should follow the same health and safety tips they practice during flu season to halt the spread of coronavirus.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.

Nationally, health officials are warning Americans about the possible spread of coronavirus. A Washington man died this week from COVID-19, marking the first known death connected to the illness in the United States as the total number of cases in the country rose to 22, with cases confirmed in individuals who had not traveled to areas affected by the virus.

The virus — which originated in Wuhan, China — has infected at least 83,600 people internationally, and 2,800 people have died, according to the World Health Organization. It is spreading so quickly overseas that infectious disease experts and scientists warn there may be no way to contain it.

Thousands of others across the country are being monitored for the new coronavirus, including 8,400 people in the state of California, and more than 230 people in Massachusetts who may have been exposed to the virus are being monitored and self-quarantined in their homes.