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East St. Louis School District 189 issued the following announcement on March 3.
The health and safety of our students is our top priority, so we want to share with you information that the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has published for schools throughout the state.
IDPH along with the Illinois Poison Center set up a hotline for residents across the state to call if they have questions about the coronavirus. Residents in Illinois can call the hotline at 800-889-3931 or email DPH.SICK@illinois.gov.
February 28, 2020
Dear Parents and Staff,
We are working closely with local and federal agencies to monitor the development surrounding the Coronovirus COVID-19. Like many others around the world, you are probably following the news regarding the Coronavirus. We wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the efforts and the measures the school district is taking to ensure the safety and health of our students and staff.
About the virus itself...
East St. Louis District 189 will take its direction concerning the Coronavirus from the St. Clair County Health Department, Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education. These entities receive guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is an evolving situation that is changing almost on a daily basis. As a result, we are continuously monitoring the information that is provided. Please visit our website at www.estl189.com for links to agencies with up-to-the-moment updates about Coronavirus. The following is the current information on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website about the virus Coronavirus Guidance.
Currently, the health risk to the general public remains low, both in the U.S. and in Illinois. At this time, only one suspected case of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been detected and referred to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for proper identification in this region.
Symptoms…
What we currently know is that COVID-19 causes mild-to-moderate illness and symptoms like the flu, including fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
Keeping our students and staff healthy...
The East St. Louis School District employs school nurses at all our campuses. Our nursing staff are available to assist families by identifying flu-like symptoms of students observed while at school. Additionally, school custodial staff are conducting additional cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces. Our campus custodial staff will continue to disinfect with hospital-grade products to help offset the spread of communicable illnesses.
We thank all the parents and students who have done their part this year to ensure they received necessary vaccinations and have updated health histories on file with the school district. We have had our healthiest student population in many years - with over 5,175 students in full medical compliance. Immunizations and physicals are important. The school-based health clinics at Vivian Adams Early Childhood Center and East St. Louis Senior High School are available to serve all district students. While the Coronavirus is getting a lot of media attention, it is still flu season. We encourage you to get a flu shot, if you have not already.
Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent COVID-19 infection. As with any respiratory virus, students and school personnel can protect themselves and others by taking every day common sense actions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- the use of masks or gloves
- cancelling mass gatherings
- cancelling classes
Children and youth may hear alarming stories about the Coronavirus, causing them to feel anxious or fearful. Please be open to hearing concerns from your child and reassure them. In no circumstance is it appropriate for staff, students, or visitors to the school to make derisive comments about those who are impacted by the virus, or to “joke” about it.
Following are some resources for talking with your children and students about the Coronavirus.
How to Talk to Your Kids About the Coronavirus
How to Talk with Students About the Coronavirus
Again, we are monitoring all of our resources very closely. Should the situation change in our area, we will be in touch immediately.
Thanks so much for joining us in helping to keep our East St. Louis Schools community healthy in all ways.
Sincerely,
Arthur R. Culver, Superintendent
Original source can be found here.
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