Coronavirus: Strongsville Schools Implement New Protocols

STRONGSVILLE, OH — The Strongsville Schools are implementing new protocols to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus in the district. Superintendent Cameron Ryba outlined the procedures in a letter to the community on Tuesday morning.

"Please be assured that we are working as proactively as we can to support our students, schools, and community through an unpredictable event. If we are informed that a staff or student has been in contact with someone or has contracted the coronavirus, the closure of a building or the district will be determined in collaboration with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health," Ryba said.

Crews around the Strongsville schools are implementing an enhanced disinfection procedure for all surfaces. Preschool and elementary students will now be required to wash their hands prior to eating a snack or lunch. Secondary students will have access to hand washing prior to eating.

District officials and nurses are participating in a webinar with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. Changes to the school system's planning and procedures will be made as necessary, Ryba said.

With the Ohio primary election on the horizon, Strongsville Schools officials are working with the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections to move polling locations out of school buildings for the March 17 primary.

"If this cannot occur, I will be cancelling school on this day and will have staff on hand to disinfect all areas. I will communicate my decision by the end of the week," Ryba said.

District officials are also considering limiting access to school facilities. All visitors may be barred for any non-essential visits or evening activities. Travel by students and staffers will also be re-examined, Ryba said.

"Local travel by our instrumental groups and international travel that is planned for student organizations over the summer is still scheduled to proceed as planned. However, these trips will continue to be evaluated based on the threat levels provided by the Health Department," Ryba added.

Any students who become sick will have to stay home. The student can only return to school when they have been fever free for at least 24 hours, Ryba said.

"If you are traveling during spring break out of the country, on a cruise, or to another location that increases your risk of contracting the virus, please contact your building principal to inform him or her," the superintendent 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.

Gov. Mike DeWine announced Monday that Ohio had its first three confirmed cases of new coronavirus, called COVID-19. All three infected individuals live in Cuyahoga County, though officials have not specified which cities they reside in.

Two students at Solon High School were also asked to self-quarantine after possibly coming in contact with COVID-19.

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.