COVID-19 Precaution and Response
Launch the media gallery 1 playerCOVID-19 Precaution and Response
Link to Center for Disease Control for information on COVID-19 and statement from Plainview Public Schools:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Pirate Nation…..
You need to know that I/we are fully aware of the current social environment and health decisions unfolding around us with regard to COVID-19. Our local and regional health departments are pushing information out to us multiple times a day and the Nebraska Department of Education has been advising us routinely for the past couple weeks. As of 48 hours ago, there were 3 confirmed cases in the state of Nebraska. It’s the potential exposure to someone who was potentially exposed that is driving the current fear of contracting the virus and precipitating school closure decisions. As you have likely heard, the risk to healthy youth is very low. The primary concern is that a healthy youth could carry it to an already “health compromised” elderly adult.
I am aware of the measures some school districts in our area are taking out of concern due to possible exposure. The health department did not recommend that these schools close. These are local decisions that need to be made very carefully in consultation with the health department. I do consider that closing school unnecessarily does place a burden on many families and in some cases, could put many of our students at greater risk of other unhealthy circumstances like not getting a good meal or two for that day.
We are taking increased measures to reduce the risk of contracting ANY illness hear at school. All the recommendations you have heard: wash hands, disinfect high touch surfaces, sneeze/cough into sleeve….these are health practices that we have always taught our kids. We are being more vigilant about this and have started to practice “hand washing” breaks. In addition, our teachers are joining our custodial staff in disinfecting classroom surfaces. This has also been a somewhat routine practice for most teachers as they “live” in their classrooms and generally contribute to keeping it clean and healthy. We are suspending our “school to community” practices such as service to the manor and open campus during lunch. This Friday is a prescheduled day off from school. We will use this day to disinfect all surfaces thoroughly.
So please be assured that we are taking this entire situation seriously. As always, you are the ultimate decision maker for your child. We will work with you if you feel you want to keep your child at home. We will continue to monitor this closely and keep you informed of any facts that I feel our general public needs to be aware of. In the meantime, stay positive and optimistic as these are immune system boosters!
Go Pirates!