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Guidance on Combating the Spread of COVID-19
Growing concerns over the spread of COVID-19, commonly referred to as the Coronavirus, increased in this area as two confirmed cases were reported in Tulsa recently. The District has been monitoring the COVID-19 situation since the first cases were reported in the United States and will continue to monitor the situation. Information is gathered from local, state, and national news reports, state and county health department documents, and other area resources.
Recently, State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister published a release expressing concern for families who plan to travel outside the United States over Spring Break. Click here to see that document which provides after-travel health precautions. Throughout Spring Break, District administration will monitor the COVID-19 situation and will relay any District decisions concerning classes, activities, and/or events that may have to be impacted as conditions warrant.
The Oklahoma Health Department and Tulsa County Health Department released documents explaining much of what is known about COVID-19, and are among the more thorough and helpful documents available. To see these documents, click here.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC), perhaps the most well-informed agency concerning COVID-19, the current flu virus, and most other communicable diseases released a single page fact-sheet. Click here to view the fact-sheet. In addition to the fact-sheet, the CDC provides up-to-date information about COVID-19 at their website. Click here for a link to their COVID-19 information with the most recent update. The CDC is also working with communities throughout the United States to help contain and diminish the spread of COVID-19. Click here for their information regarding assistance and support to the communities.
At Sperry Public Schools, we take the health of our school community seriously and monitor each site for any health issues as a matter of routine. Custodial staff use industrial strength disinfectants and clean areas of contact regularly. Teachers and staff regularly remind students of the importance of basic hygienic care, and its impact on limiting the spread of germs.
COVID-19 is still being studied, and while its sustainability and complete nature of its spread from one individual to another is not completely known, the following three actions are known means of transmission:
- Coughing or sneezing,
- Touching a surface with the virus and then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth without thoroughly washing your hands, and
- Close, personal contact, i.e., shaking hands, touching, etc.
While it has been stated multiple times and will continue to be reiterated throughout the time COVID-19 is spreading, here are basic behaviors which may limit your risk of contracting the virus:
- Thoroughly wash your hands in warm water for at least 20 seconds,
- When hand-washing is not an option, use an alcohol-based sanitizer of 60% alcohol or greater,
- Assist young children in washing their hands properly,
- Children (and adults) with a fever or other symptoms of illness should stay home,
- Avoid close, personal contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms, and
- Teach your children to cough or sneeze into their elbow.
District administration will continue to monitor and adjust plans as the situation evolves. If you have questions, please reach out to us via phone at 918-288-7213.
Sincerely,
Brian Beagles, Ed.D.
Superintendent