With the announcement over the past weekend of the first case of the novel coronavirus — COVID-19 — reported in the Kansas City area, local school districts are preparing.
(Editor’s note - the following information was accurate as of our press time on Tuesday, March 10. The situation remains ever-changing.)
In the Park Hill School District, administrators released a pandemic plan of action early this week, including stepped-up cleaning and sanitation of surfaces. Students and staff are encouraged to wash their hands regularly and the district remains in close contact with the Platte County Health Department and is monitoring updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
As the CDC has issued travel advisories for some countries, students or staff who have traveled or may travel to these areas for the remainder of the school year must undergo a 14-day quarantine after they return. They are required to stay away from district buildings and school activities.
Currently, this list includes China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran. Neighboring North Kansas City Schools has instituted a similar mandatory quarantine plan for students who may have recently traveled abroad.
The district is reviewing additional plans, including social distancing, telecommuting options for ill staff and home study for students.
At West Platte, maintenance staff is keeping school facilities clean to prevent the spread of the seasonal flu, and COVID-19. The district remains in contact with state and county health authorities to keep on top of the situation.
North Platte has been distributing information encouraging good hygiene habits to the students and staff.
“The health and safety of our students and staff is our highest priority in the North Platte School District,” North Platte superintendent Karl Matt said. “If we receive information that a student or staff member has potentially been exposed to the virus we will work in cooperation with the Platte County and State Health Departments to seek their guidance on the best course of action to protect the health of those in our community.”
The Platte County School District sent out an email to parents last week and another one is planned for this week.
The first one said “Part of the District’s mission is to ensure a safe and caring environment for our learners. We take precautions to clean and sanitize all surfaces, and we work with students and staff to encourage correct handwashing procedures and coughing and sneezing into the crook of one’s arm to prevent the spread of germs. We work closely with the Platte County Health Department and monitor updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).”