FOLLOW-UP INFO RE: Coronavirus
The health and well being of our students and staff is our top priority. This information is a follow-up to the OUSD information regarding the coronavirus sent as a robocall on TUE, FEB 4th, 2020 from John Sasaki of our OUSD Communication Department and through the OUSD website: https://www.ousd.org/coronavirus.
Though the risk to the general public remains low, we want you to know that we are taking precautions at Redwood Heights. Our lead custodian Ms. Kim and night time custodian, Charles, are regularly cleaning classrooms and common areas. Ms. Kim said she is making an extra effort to clean doorknobs & handles, and high traffic areas more frequently throughout the day. I am in the process of ordering extra disinfecting wipes for each classroom
Next week's assembly will continue to highlight habits of good hygiene to our children and remind them how these habits help limit the spread of a virus/flu. We will review washing hands with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or inside your elbow, and staying home when sick - not returning to school until fever-free without the use of medication for at least 24 hours.
OUSD has provided all administrators with information, guidance, and procedures concerning the coronavirus. Below is a copy of OUSD's letter to the community and information from the Alameda County Public Health Department. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to me at cynthia.bagby@ousd.org or 510-531-6644.
Thank you to many who have donated boxes of tissues and disinfecting wipes to your child's classroom.
Best,
Cynthia
Alameda County Public Health Letter Regarding Coronavirus
January 27, 2020
Dear Administrators, Teachers, Staff, and Parents:
The CDC and state and local public health departments are closely monitoring developments
regarding an outbreak caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei
Province, China. The first case in the United States was announced on January 21, 2020, in the State of Washington. Public health departments are working to identify anyone who might be infected to prevent further spread of the outbreak. To date, there are no confirmed cases in
Northern California and Alameda County residents are at low risk of becoming infected.
When new viruses surface, there can be lots of anxiety and stress. It’s important to stay
informed. We acknowledge the impact that this outbreak is having on our community, and on
those who have friends or relatives who are affected. We are thinking of you.
What you need to know
- In the unusual event that a child or staff member is identified who recently traveled from Wuhan, China, and who has any of these respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, or shortness of breath), he or she should be sent home from school/work, and the school should contact the Alameda County Public Health Department at 510-267-3250 for additional guidance.
- At this moment, there are no recommendations to exclude asymptomatic (no symptoms) people who traveled to China from school or work.
We encourage all students, parents, and staff to take common-sense precautions to
prevent the spread of all infectious diseases, including common illnesses like colds and
flu.
- Encourage students and staff to stay home when they are sick.
Those who have a fever at school should go home and stay home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
- Promote hand hygiene among students and staff through education, scheduled time for handwashing, and availability of soap and water or hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Teach and encourage proper cough etiquette—cough or sneeze into a tissue, sleeve, or arm (do not use hands).
- Perform routine surface cleaning.
- Be vigilant when attending large gatherings, as this is where respiratory viruses often spread. If you are not feeling well or are experiencing cold, flu, or other symptoms, stay home to avoid spreading germs.
For more information on the novel Coronavirus, please see the Coronavirus FAQS posted on our Alameda County Public Health Department website www.acphd.org; we will keep the website updated with any local information or resources as we know more. We will monitor the developing situation and inform you of any additional public health recommendations.
our Alameda County Public Health Department website www.acphd.org