March 11th Update
With the increased number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S., we are providing continued communication on the status of our school community here in Washtenaw County. As always, the health and safety of our staff, students, and families remain our top priority. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Washtenaw County Health Department (WCHD) will notify us if there is a recommendation for school closure. We will update you by email and school messenger with regular updates as we learn more.
As of approximately 10:15 pm last night on March 10, 2020, two cases were presumptively confirmed in Michigan: one in Wayne County and one in Oakland County. Test results were positive at the state lab in Lansing and they are awaiting confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washtenaw Count. As you know, we are continuing to monitor the current COVID-19 situation closely with guidance from Washtenaw County Health Department (WCHD) officials.
After consulting with WCHD, we wanted to share some important information to help you assess your risk of COVID-19 as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the CDC considers COVID-19 a public health concern based on current information, the immediate health risk to the general U.S. public is considered low at this time.
Key information from the CDC:
Travel (Including Spring Break Guidance)
At this time, families and staff should assess the level of risk for travel.
Additionally, with spring break coming up soon (March 30-April 3, 2020), the Washtenaw County Health Department recommends conducting a risk assessment if you plan on personal travel either domestically or internationally by asking yourself:
In partnership with WCHD, we are reviewing preventative measures and we are also assessing and planning for potential impacts on school operations, such as instruction, technology, facilities, and more.
Here are ways we are currently taking action in service of our students, staff, and families:
We are asking all staff and students:
Please remember that at this moment, these steps are precautionary in nature. It is important for our schools to be prepared should a case of COVID-19 arise in our community and we have a plan to implement remote learning and teaching and are fortunate to have a one-to-one tablet/chromebook access for all students. We also have a plan in place to ensure all families have internet access. Contact Ms. Young (MYoung@wihi.org) for information about connectivity. We know this is an unusual and challenging circumstance that many of us have not had to navigate before, but the strength of our community lies in how we support one another. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and ongoing support as we work diligently to plan. Please be assured that providing our school community with communication when available is a top priority.
Thank you for your continued support and patience.
Sincerely,
Nhu Do
As of approximately 10:15 pm last night on March 10, 2020, two cases were presumptively confirmed in Michigan: one in Wayne County and one in Oakland County. Test results were positive at the state lab in Lansing and they are awaiting confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washtenaw Count. As you know, we are continuing to monitor the current COVID-19 situation closely with guidance from Washtenaw County Health Department (WCHD) officials.
After consulting with WCHD, we wanted to share some important information to help you assess your risk of COVID-19 as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the CDC considers COVID-19 a public health concern based on current information, the immediate health risk to the general U.S. public is considered low at this time.
Key information from the CDC:
- The CDC has identified two populations as at higher risk for serious illness with COVID-19: older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease.
- The CDC has designated 3 risk levels related to exposure and recommended steps:
- “
- Known community spread” refers to when it is impossible to trace how cases originated (i.e. no known travel exposure) and are most likely spread person-to-person. Isolation/quarantine are strategies used to mitigate community spread.
- If you show symptoms of coughing, shortness of breath, or fever/high temperature AND you are in one of the low, medium or high risk COVID-19 categories, contact your health care provider or the Washtenaw County Health Department to determine next steps.
Travel (Including Spring Break Guidance)
At this time, families and staff should assess the level of risk for travel.
Additionally, with spring break coming up soon (March 30-April 3, 2020), the Washtenaw County Health Department recommends conducting a risk assessment if you plan on personal travel either domestically or internationally by asking yourself:
- If you have a vacation planned, have you reviewed the level of risk at the location to which you are travelling to? See the CDC’s risk assessment by country and by state, and see their travel FAQ here.
- If you are planning to go on your vacation, would you and your family be able to self-quarantine for up to 14 days after your return if it is necessary? What kind of planning would you need to do for work? School? Food and other essential items?
In partnership with WCHD, we are reviewing preventative measures and we are also assessing and planning for potential impacts on school operations, such as instruction, technology, facilities, and more.
Here are ways we are currently taking action in service of our students, staff, and families:
- Increasing signage in restrooms, kitchens, staff lounges, and other areas reminding staff, students and visitors to wash their hands frequently.
- Facilities custodians are increasing frequency of cleaning protocols, including disinfecting high-touch surfaces like tables and doorknobs, and stocking antibacterial hand soap and hand sanitizer in our facilities. (Please note that antibacterial wipes, soap and hand sanitizer supplies have become drastically limited among our vendors and local stores, and we continue to seek out alternative supply channels. Please send donations of wipes and hand sanitizer, if you have)
- Develop a plan in case of school closure to implement online instruction and remote learning via Google Classroom.
- Reviewing possibilities to continue providing meals to students who qualify for free/reduced-price lunch if schools need to close so students continue to have access to healthy meals.
- Watching federal, state, and local authorities for guidance related to large gatherings, including postponing the France trip and other international trips to next year.
- Administration is in direct communication with WCHD and MDHHS for guidance and recommendations.
We are asking all staff and students:
- If you are sick, please stay home. If you have flu-like symptoms such as a cough, fever, sore throat, etc., please contact your doctor to determine next steps.
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer is an acceptable secondary option.
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and face, and when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a disposable tissue or your shoulder/elbow.
- If you travel to an area with known community-spread of COVID-19 for personal or work-related travel, please inform the school and your doctor.
- Should a positive case of COVID-19 arise in our school community, please be mindful of FERPA and HIPAA laws that protect identifiable information about students and staff.
- Please bring laptops, tablets, and work home daily in the case of a school closure recommendation.
Please remember that at this moment, these steps are precautionary in nature. It is important for our schools to be prepared should a case of COVID-19 arise in our community and we have a plan to implement remote learning and teaching and are fortunate to have a one-to-one tablet/chromebook access for all students. We also have a plan in place to ensure all families have internet access. Contact Ms. Young (MYoung@wihi.org) for information about connectivity. We know this is an unusual and challenging circumstance that many of us have not had to navigate before, but the strength of our community lies in how we support one another. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and ongoing support as we work diligently to plan. Please be assured that providing our school community with communication when available is a top priority.
Thank you for your continued support and patience.
Sincerely,
Nhu Do