How are Centre County school districts preparing for the possibility of coronavirus?
As confirmed cases of novel coronavirus spread throughout the United States, Centre County area school districts are taking precautions to ensure the health and safety of students and staff members.
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an interim guidance for public and private childcare programs and K-12 schools based on what is known about the transmission and severity of the novel coronavirus, called COVID-19. Although no cases of coronavirus have been reported in Pennsylvania, the CDC is urging schools to “plan and prepare” in the event of a community-level outbreak.
“Schools, working together with local health departments, have an important role in slowing the spread of diseases to help ensure students have safe and healthy learning environments,” reads the advisory. “Schools serve students, staff and visitors from throughout the community. All of these people may have close contact in the school setting, often sharing spaces, equipment and supplies.”
Symptoms of the virus include fever, cough and shortness of breath; however, coronavirus has a 14-day incubation period. Those most susceptible to severe complications are senior citizens and individuals with underlying health conditions.
How are schools taking precautions against COVID-19?
This week, Centre County school districts released statements on how they’re monitoring coronavirus, following guidance provided by the CDC and department of education and consulting their emergency preparedness plans. As administrators consult with health organizations and providers, they ask that students and staff take precautions by washing their hands and staying home if they show symptoms of illness.
Bellefonte, State College and Penns Valley area school districts sent information to families on Monday.
“This time of year, we often have a high number of absences due to the flu,” Bellefonte Area School District said in a statement. “We are encouraging our schools to support students who may be absent for long periods of time due to the flu or other viruses by allowing for leniency in absenteeism and with homework expectations.”
The district told parents that the school custodial staff regularly cleans classrooms and public areas to ensure a sanitary learning environment. As of now, after-school programs and events will continue, the letter said.
SCASD parents and guardians were also sent a letter, telling them that the district is preparing for the pandemic to affect Centre County. Two class trips to Europe were postponed due to the virus. To prepare, the district purchased additional hand sanitizer and tissues to keep in every classroom. SCASD also uses a disinfectant cleaner to sanitize all of its facilities.
In the event of a school closing, SCASD Superintendent Bob O’Donnell asked parents to “consider alternative childcare plans.”
Penns Valley Superintendent Brian Griffith sent a message to district parents, faculty and staff members, informing them that school nurses have been monitoring the virus and will continue to take advice from the CDC about how to prevent it from spreading.
“The current recommendations are to follow standard healthy habits — stay home when sick, wash hands, cover mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing,” Griffith wrote. “We have also been in communication with other health providers throughout the region to determine what if there is anything more we should be doing to combat the virus.”
Will ‘cyber snow days’ be used if school is closed?
If schools were to close, Penns Valley Community Relations Director Nate Althouse said the district would not have a “cyber snow day” or flexible instruction day for students due to internet accessibility concerns.
Bald Eagle Area and Philipsburg-Osceola school districts sent letters to parents on Tuesday, reminding them to refrain from sending kids to school if they are experiencing symptoms.
P-O announced that it has purchased hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes that will be available in every classroom over the next few weeks.
Prior to next week’s spring break, SCASD said it plans to share an update on how to handle the disease with parents and district employees.
“If we must close our schools in the interest of public health, our goal would be to provide suitable alternative instruction for our students,” SCASD Director of Communications Chris Rosenblum said in a statement. “Naturally, this would be difficult, and we would work with the Pennsylvania Department of Education to find solutions for teaching our students with as little disruption as possible.”
Outside of the classroom, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association winter championships are in full swing. The PIAA issued a statement Tuesday, asking that school administrators, coaches and athletes be cognizant of their health before traveling to compete.
“All championship sites have medical staff on site and the use of hand sanitizers available throughout their facilities,” the release said. “All in attendance are encouraged to practice good hygiene habits, which includes athletes showering before and after their participation.”
Coronavirus has killed more than 3,100 people, the majority being in China. There are now more than 90,000 reported global cases.
