Coronavirus Prep: Strongsville Schools Monitoring Virus

STRONGSVILLE, OH — The Strongsville Schools are monitoring the spread of the new coronavirus in the U.S., according to a letter from school officials. Superintendent Cameron Ryba said the district would take its cues from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health officials.

"As a school district, we have addressed past health concerns, such as H1N1, SARS, Bird Flu, and Ebola. We will continue to monitor and collaborate with our local, state and national agency partners to ensure a safe learning, work, and community environment for students, staff, parents, and our community," Ryba said in a letter to the community.

Currently, there are no confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Ohio, though one person is being tested by the Ohio Department of Health. More than 200 Ohioans, who recently visited China, are being monitored by officials.

COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus — 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.

In the U.S., at least nine people have been killed by the virus — all in the state of Washington.

Related Coverage:
Coronavirus: Officials Monitoring 200 Ohioans Who Visited China

Coronavirus Outbreak: Tips To Prepare At Home

The Strongsville Schools are stepping up their cleaning regiments, with a special focus on surfaces which see frequent, skin-based contact from students and teachers. "Our custodial staff has established protocols that are followed to disinfect the various surface areas and objects that are prone to transmit illnesses, such as the coronavirus," Ryba said.

The Strongsville 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.