Coronavirus: 2 Solon Students Self-Quarantine

SOLON, OH — Two Solon High School students are in self-quarantine after they came in contact with one of the three Ohioans who contracted new coronavirus. The school district said it is consulting with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health on proper protocol.

School leaders sent a letter to families on Monday evening detailing the self-quarantine. The district will not close school or ask other students to self-quarantine at this time, according to the letter.

Any student or staff who are feeling sick should stay home, the district said. Students should be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to classes.

As Patch reported last week, the Solon Schools have stepped up cleaning of high-contact surface areas like desks, cafeteria tables, doorknobs, light switches, phones and restrooms. Staff also sanitized classrooms after the district learned of the self-quarantine, the district said.

"If the recommendations from public health officials change in any way, we will take immediate and appropriate steps for the safety of our students, staff members and families," said Fred Bolden, Solon Schools superintendent pro tempore.

Ohio's first confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, called COVID-19, were discovered this week. All three infected people live in Cuyahoga County, health officials announced on Monday afternoon.

There are currently 755 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in the U.S. and 22 related deaths as of Tuesday afternoon, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The Solon 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.