A letter from Superintendent Jan Jehring
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are writing to provide you with an update about the Coronavirus Disease 2019, also known as COVID-19, and the District’s efforts to ensure the health and safety of all students in our buildings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting that for most of the American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.
Furthermore, the Orange County Department of Health (OCDOH) has informed us that, to date, no cases have been confirmed in Orange County.
The Florida Union Free School District is working closely with OCDOH and other county agencies to monitor the situation and develop a coordinated and comprehensive public health plan to ensure we are prepared if cases arise in our community. The District will be prepared to implement public health recommendations as required.
The District is taking the following steps is response to this health situation:
- Increased cleaning protocols.
- Closely monitoring the situation in the state and in the region.
- Developing plans in the event of school closure.
As a best practice for overall health in cold and influenza season, the CDC, New York State Department of Health and Orange County Department of Health recommends that individuals receive the influenza vaccination
and engage in everyday, preventive measures to prevent the spread of germs and avoid illness, such as:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers,
- Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick. The CDC recommends that individuals remain home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever (i.e., chills, feeling warm, flushed appearance).
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately discard the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
In planning travel over spring break, please refer to the CDC website for travel alerts for affected areas. If you plan to travel to an affected area, the Orange County Department of Health has requested you notify school officials of travel plans. If you or a member of your family return home and become ill with flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough or short of breath, please call your healthcare provider prior to arrival and inform them of your recent travel.
This is an emerging, rapidly changing situation. For general questions about COVID-19, please contact the New York State Department of Health Novel Coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065. For Orange County residents
including students, parents, and guardians who have recently traveled outside the U.S. and/or may have had any exposure to individuals with COVID-19 who have questions regarding COVID-19, please contact the Orange County Department of Health at 845-291-2330.
Sincerely,
Jan Jehring
Superintendent of Schools