Coronavirus Prep: Solon Schools Working With Health Officials

SOLON, OH — The Solon Schools are monitoring the spread of the new coronavirus in the U.S., according to a letter from school officials. The district also said it would be stepping up its daily cleaning regiments, per recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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.

"We continue to monitor the situation and, as we always do, take our guidance from federal, state and local public health officials. We have already had conversations with those experts to be sure we are following the most-current recommendations for schools. Although the current risk of contracting the coronavirus remains low, this is a constantly changing situation, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention," the district said in a letter to families.

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Solon Schools are also working with local and federal health officials to develop plans for preventing the virus' spread within the district.

"As the CDC recommends for homes, we are also stepping up regular cleaning of high-contact areas such as student desks, tables, doorknobs, light switches, phones, keyboards and restrooms," school officials said.

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.

The coronavirus has killed nine people in Washington

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. More than 200 people in Ohio are currently being monitored by the Ohio Department of Health.