Department of Public Health Notification

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Dear District Families,

As, many of you are aware, there is a heightened focus on the “Coronavirus” (or COVID-19) at this time. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is communicating with school districts on this matter and it has recommended that the following information be shared with the public. The district is monitoring this situation and will provide you with additional information as needed.

The precautions to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect against COVID-19.

DPH recommends that schools continue education about good hygiene. Students, staff, and volunteers should be reminded to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, if unable to wash, use

alcohol-based hand sanitizers

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

• Cover your coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve (not with your hands)

• Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick

Schools should follow their regular cleaning and disinfection program.

• Clean hard surfaces (desks, tables, countertops, sinks). Clean and disinfect frequently touched

surfaces (door handles, faucets, railings), bathrooms and health rooms. Use alcohol wipes to

clean keyboards.

• Use “EPA-approved” disinfectant to clean high-touch surfaces and patient care areas.

• Clean the surface first to remove all organic matter. Thorough cleaning with soap and water will

remove most microorganisms.

• Custodial staff is trained to use disinfectants in a safe and effective manner and to clean up

potentially infectious materials and body fluid spills.

For more information

DPH has created a website updated constantly with the latest guidance, including printable fact sheets in multiple languages. Visit: www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus.

For questions, call the DPH Epidemiology Line at 24 hours a day/7 days a week at 617-983-6800.

For more, visit the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Thank you for your help to keep our students and school personnel healthy and safe.

 

Sincerely Yours,

Michael Sullivan, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools