South metro school districts said they are monitoring the spread of the coronavirus and are discussing plans they may implement if it reaches their communities.
Leaders in Fayette, Clayton and Henry school systems said they have not had any reported cases of infection. But they are taking precautions, such as wiping down school surfaces, encouraging students who are sick to stay home and discouraging the sharing of food in which dipping sauces are used.
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“At this time, we have a webpage on our district website with resources for parents hoping to learn more about the coronavirus and reminders about our district’s policies and procedures regarding student illnesses,” Henry County Schools spokesman J.D. Hardin said.
The districts said they are working with the health departments in their counties to get updates on any measures necessary to keep their school populations safe, as well as monitoring information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We are continuing to follow our regular health protocol of disinfecting surfaces such as desks, handles, doorknobs, computer keyboards, and other highly touched areas,” Fayette Schools said in a release to the public.
Clayton Schools sent out information on the virus, including what it is, what symptoms to look for and available resources identified by the CDC if an infection is suspected. The district also listed several health tips for parents and children to avoid the virus:
❖Children and adults who are sick should stay home from work or school and avoid other people until they feel better.
❖Teach your children to wash their hands often with soap and waters for 20 seconds.
❖Teach your children to cover their coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow.
❖Teach your children to stay at least three feet away from people who are sick.
❖Carry a hand sanitizer with you to make frequent cleaning of hands easy.
❖Always wash your hands before you eat.
❖Be especially careful in busy airports and other public transport systems about touching things and then touching your face.
❖Carry disposable tissues with you, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue carefully.
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