We understand there may be a source of concern surrounding the recent national coverage of coronavirus (COVID-19). We want to assure you the health and well-being of our students and staff is our highest priority.
The COVID-19 is a virus strain that began spreading in people in December 2019. Health experts are concerned because little is known about this new virus, and it can cause severe illness and pneumonia in some people.
Our staff is working closely with the local Health and Human Services and will provide updated information as it becomes available, at this location and/or through more direct communication, as needed.
Please refer to these resources for additional information: Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It is recommened you do the following:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick. If you have flu like symptoms (persistent cough, sore throat, temperature greater than 100.4), contact your health care provider. You should be fever-free for 24 hour without the use of fever reducers before returning to work or school.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Signs and Symptoms
People who have confirmed COVID-19 infections have a range of symptoms, from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely sick and dying. Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after contact with someone who has COVID-19. If you have been in China within the past two weeks and develop symptoms, call your doctor.
Should my child be wearing a mask to avoid catching coronavirus?
It’s not necessary for anyone to wear a mask during the normal course of their day. The best way to avoid COVID-19, or any virus, is to practice good healthy hygiene habits. These include:
- Frequent and thorough hand-washing with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
- Cough and sneeze into tissues, or into your arm.
- Stay home when you’re sick.
What can you do to help if you have a student who is being asked to stay home from school by public health?
To reduce the impact of this request on students who are asked to stay home from school, public health may ask that schools make reasonable accommodations to allow these students to continue their studies remotely and/or make-up missed lessons or assignments, in accordance with your school district's attendance policy.
For more information, please visit the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's COVID-19 webpage.