Goodrich Martian Family:
COVID-19, a new coronavirus originating from China, has sparked global concern as the outbreak grows. While the risk to those in the U.S. still remains low, and the State of Michigan has no confirmed cases of the virus, the state is closely monitoring the situation as knowledge evolves daily. We want to take a moment to assure our students and parents that we are taking the threat seriously and taking necessary steps for prevention, based on recommendations from the Genesee County Health Department and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
Governor Whitmer announced activation of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) where state, local, and federal agencies will coordinate statewide readiness and communication related to COVID-19. The MDHHS will continue actively preparing, monitoring, and coordinating response activities through the SEOC. MDHHS has developed a COVID-19 website located at michigan.gov/coronavirus. It is regularly updated with the most current available information.
At this time, the health risk to the general public of Michigan from COVID-19 remains low. Person-to-person spread appears to occur via respiratory transmission and the symptoms are similar to those of influenza (e.g. fever, cough, and shortness of breath). The current outbreak is occurring during a time of year when respiratory illnesses from influenza and other viruses are highly prevalent, so our district will take commonsense precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
In order to help reduce chances of getting sick or spreading illness, health officials recommend students, parents, and staff practice the following:
- Remain at home if you are sick and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.
- Cover cough with a tissue or sleeve. Keep adequate supplies within easy reach, including tissues and no-touch trash cans.
- Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces.
As we do whenever we become aware of an increased number of illnesses being reported in our schools, our custodial staff have begun extra cleanings of classrooms and common areas. Last week the district performed a thorough disinfection, utilizing the new Clorox Total 360 System. This device emits disinfecting and sanitizing solution in a fine mist that will cover all surfaces including, desks, doorknobs, counter tops, and hard to reach surfaces.
We will continue to work with the Genesee County Health Department and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and will share information with you as it becomes available to us. We ask our families to do their part by keeping students home when they are sick and reinforcing healthy routines. Attached for your reference are fact and symptom sheets about the Coronavirus, as well as other resources.
Thank you,
Wayne S. Wright, Superintendent
2019 Novel Coronavirus General Fact Sheet.pdf
2019 Coronavirus Disease Q&A.pdf
How to Wash Hands.pdf
When to Stay Home.pdf
Flu Guide for Parents 2018.pdf
Influenza - Seasonal.pdf