PRESS RELEASE – March 10, 2020

Fluvanna County Public Schools staff have been working with the Virginia Department of Education and the Fluvanna County Emergency Management Office to review plans for COVID-19.

The division has purchased additional cleaning supplies and is working with school staff to ensure all areas of the school are cleaned thoroughly and regularly.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following for prevention of illness.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

The COVID-19 event is a rapidly evolving situation.  With that in mind, school and county staff along with local health department officials continue to work together to review practices and make plans.

Currently, Fluvanna County Public Schools has cancelled all field trips that were scheduled for locations out of state and the Northern Virginia area.  All other field trips will continue to be reviewed.  Study abroad trips planned for this summer are being reviewed and a decision will be made in late May about these activities.

Parents are encouraged to keep their children home from school when they are not feeling well.  Absences due to illness, quarantine or related restrictions will be considered excused absences.

We expect staff and families who have traveled or will travel to countries where the CDC has enacted a level 3 travel warning (currently China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea) to follow CDC guidance about self-isolation and stay home for a period of 14 days upon returning home and also seek medical attention if you experience fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.

If you plan on traveling, domestic or internationally during the upcoming spring break, please take all possible precautions.  Guidance has also been issued about airline and cruise ship travel.  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has a dedicated COVID-19 webpage (http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/novel-coronavirus/) with information and resources.

Fluvanna County has also created a website with current information and links to resources-

https://www.fluvannacounty.org/community/page/covid-19-2019-novel-coronavirus

 

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