Coronavirus Information 02-26-20

Message from the Superintendent: Coronavirus Information
Posted on 02/26/2020
Message from the Superintendent: Coronavirus Information

26 February 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The health and safety of our students and staff are always a top priority for the Old Tappan School District. Just yesterday, Dr. Messonnier, Director of CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, announced to the press that Americans should plan for the spread of the coronavirus in the United States. Based on this announcement, it is essential that we not overact, but that we smartly work together.

As parents/guardians, please remember the importance of making thoughtful choices about school attendance when children present signs of illness. As the faculty and staff often do, they are continuing to remind the students about good health habits to avoid the spread of germs while in the school and at home. Additionally, please be assured that our custodial staff has been and will continue to be following recommended cleaning procedures to disinfect our desks, countertops, doorknobs, faucet handles, toilet facilities, phones, and toys. Our school nurses will continue to work closely with the Bergen County Health Department and the New Jersey Department of Health to keep abreast of the latest information that helps them care for our students.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New Jersey Department of Health sent out information outlining best practices for avoiding respiratory illnesses in schools, which is in direct response to concerns about the coronavirus and the flu. The following are important preventative measures for all of us:

  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve, not your hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Wash hands often for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing and sneezing.
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, if soap and water are not available.
  • Stay home if you are sick, especially with a fever. Students must be fever-free, without fever-reducing medication, for 24 hours before returning to school.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.

Families with a child/ren who have traveled or will be traveling to an area of the world impacted by the coronavirus, should contact the school nurse to discuss the CDC’s recommended self-quarantine protocols.

If you have any questions about your child/ren’s symptoms of illness, please contact your physician. Of course, our school nurses are always available to assist you, as well.

Our goal continues to be maintaining healthy learning environments in our schools.

As always, thank you for your ongoing cooperation.

Respectfully,  

Danielle M. Da Giau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Old Tappan Public School District

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