Westbrook Public Schools
Health Information & Guidance
March 9, 2020
Today’s Coronavirus (also known as COVID 19) updates issued by the Governor, the CT Dept. of Public Health, CT Dept. of Education and the CT Dept. of Public Safety and Homeland Security have prompted this informational memo. The purpose of this message is to share current advisement for schools and our Westbrook compliance including our preventive measures and future planning.
Today’s Coronavirus (also known as COVID 19) updates issued by the Governor, the CT Dept. of Public Health, CT Dept. of Education and the CT Dept. of Public Safety and Homeland Security have prompted this informational memo. The purpose of this message is to share current advisement for schools and our Westbrook compliance including our preventive measures and future planning.
At our COVID 19 planning meeting today, we cleared all of our cleaning products, which include sanitizers and disinfectants, with the Director of Public Health. In addition, we discussed our daily and nightly cleaning protocols. Both our practices and our products were approved as effective against this virus. Further, we have placed significant product replacement orders with our vendors in order to keep our school supplies available for daily and nightly use and to replenish more frequently as we have stepped up our cleaning frequency. Cleanings since the start of the flu season in January include wiping doorknobs/handles, desks, chairs, handrails, computers, keyboards, telephones and other common items. Bathroom fixtures, doors, floors, etc., switch plates and other frequently touched items and equipment are washed, disinfected and sanitized nightly (additional wipe downs daily as needed).
The above state agencies are in agreement with the Governor that all events such as athletic competitions, plays, concerts, etc. that may generate large audiences or participation rates of 100+ attendees should be cancelled going forward. Events that do occur should be reduced by live streaming and multiple locations to ensure crowds do not form and that participants are not in close proximity to one another. We will be reviewing all previously approved events that might expose our students, staff and the public to large gatherings. Further, field trip requests, that might also expose students and staff to crowds will be reviewed for the threat level that exists at the destination (e.g. numbers of presumptive or confirmed cases of the virus).
In the event the COVID 19 virus is identified within our schools or community, we will follow the recommendations of our local Dept. of Public Health, with whom we are conferring regularly. If school closure is recommended, it will come from the Dept. of Public Health and will include a time limitation (likely to begin with 2 weeks). Let me be clear, we have no school closure recommendations at this time. In all of the above information, an important reminder from our Director of Public Health is to remain calm. Stay connected to our school district website for updated information on our routine school processes. Should you wish to contact the Westbrook Health Dept. for more information, you may reach our Westbrook Public Health Director, Zachary Faiella at zfaiella@westbrookct.us. He may also be reached at 860-399-9869.
Patricia A. Ciccone
Superintendent
Westbrook Public Schools
Coronavirus and Flu Update 3-9-20.pdf
Westbrook Public Schools
Health Information & Guidance
February 28, 2020
Since our last updated guidance on precautions to avoid the flu and other seasonal illnesses, school district administration and health care professionals have been monitoring best practice guidance regarding the Coronavirus. I want to assure you that while we have no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in our schools, we continue to stay close to state and local health dept. updates in our planning and preparation for Coronavirus detection. Symptoms of Coronavirus may include fever, cough and shortness of breath. As these symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of flu, we are encouraging everyone to continue to follow the protocols and best practices on our website and always refer to your primary care physician if you or your children are experiencing the aforementioned signs of illness. Remember that for the general public who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from Coronavirus is considered to be low especially if we practice good illness prevention as a first line of defense. Recommended measures that lower risk of contracting any flu, including Coronavirus are:
- Frequently wash hands with soap and water.
- If soap and water are not available, use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol is recommended.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid sharing drinking cups, food, and other personal items.
- Stay at home if you are ill to minimize any transmission of illnesses.
Stay connected to this website for updated health information and information on any changes in our routine schooling processes and schedules. We will continue to monitor both state and local health department advisories as they have the primary jurisdiction over town and school responses to public health matters. Should you wish to contact the Westbrook Health Dept. for more information, you may reach our Westbrook Public Health Director, Zachary Faiella at zfaiella@westbrookct.us He may also be reached at 860-399-9869.
Patricia A. Ciccone, Superintendent of Schools
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Schools are a prime location for the flu virus to spread. It is hard to prevent kids from getting the flu this time of year for various reasons. The flu virus is spread by respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, and talking. Droplets can spread up to six feet away and land in the mouths or noses or people who are nearby. It can also be spread by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
- Children are three times more likely to get sick with the flu
- Children can pass the flu virus to others for a period of more than seven days after the symptoms start
- On average, one-third of family members in families with school age children are infected with the flu each year.
The flu is different than a cold. Both a cold and flu are respiratory illnesses, however they are caused by different virus’s and have different symptoms. The flu normally comes on suddenly. An easy way to recognize the flu symptoms are to remember the FLU FACTS.
(Fever, Aches, Chills, Tiredness, and Sudden onset)
Sometimes vomiting and diarrhea are seen with children.
Complications of the flu virus can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Key points to remember:
Teach your children to wash their hands often with soap and water. You can set a good example by doing this yourself. Good hand hygiene is the first line of defense against the flu. Hand sanitizer is acceptable if your hands are not visibly dirty.
Teach your children not to share personal items like drinks, food or unwashed utensils, and to cover their coughs and sneezes with tissues. If they don't have a tissue, they should cough or sneeze into their upper sleeve, not their hands.
Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. Symptoms of the flu include fever (100 degrees or greater), cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and feeling very tired. Some people may also vomit or have diarrhea.
Don't send children to school if they are sick. Any children who are sick at school will be sent home. Keeping your child home when sick will allow them to rest and also allows you to monitor their health closely. Keeping your sick child home is the responsible thing to do. It protects fellow students and school staff, especially those who are at higher risk of severe illness from the flu.
Remember- if you are sick, please STAY HOME! Please be vigilant of others and aware of the serious risk to students and staff when coming to school with flu-like symptoms. Thank you in advance for doing your part in keeping our schools healthy! If you have any questions or concerns please let me know.
