NEW RICHMOND EXEMPTED VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT
212 MARKET STREET, NEW RICHMOND, OHIO 45157
PHONE: 513-553-2616
March 10, 2020
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Over the last few days, I have received questions from parents and staff members related to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and our preparations. I wanted to take a moment to update everyone on what our response will be should we get hit hard with the flu or if the Coronavirus/COVID-19 appears in our area.
If absenteeism reaches 10% or higher, we do enhanced cleaning. The district purchased a Clorox Total 360 System last school year. This is an electrostatic sprayer that applies Clorox sanitizers and disinfectants to all surfaces. This machine can cover 18,000 sq.ft per hour, so a classroom can be disinfected in less than 5 minutes. After five minutes of drying time, you can reenter the treated space. This machine is easily transported, so it can be used district-wide and even inside of school buses if needed. We will utilize this at all polling locations next week after they close.
In addition, I have asked all teachers to send home this Friday 5 days of lessons for students to have at their houses should there be a need for an extended closure of our schools. Students will only need to do this work if school is shut down due to illness.
For informational purposes, we have added to our website's Health Services page (accessible under the Student/Parent tab) a subject header and links related to COVID-19. This information is on the upper, right-hand side of the Health Services page and has links to COVID-19 information pages offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ohio Health Department, and Clermont County Health Department. Also, this link to the CDC has an abundance of information regarding COVID-19 including a section dedicated to “What You Should Know.” https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
An article recently published by the Columbus Dispatch also provides good information. In it, Dr. Thomas File, (President of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and one of 12 physicians in the country to consult weekly with CDC) answers questions about coronavirus and what people should be doing to protect themselves.
This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we are monitoring it closely and following guidelines provided by the CDC and the Ohio Department of Health. We are working closely with our community partners, including the Clermont County Public Health Department and local health care providers, to monitor illness in the community and within the schools, helping us to guide a coordinated response.
The Ohio Department of Health's advice at this point is for school districts to treat COVID-19 as we would a flu outbreak. Because flu season is active, these protocols are currently in use within New Richmond Schools and include aggressive practices for disinfecting surfaces.
There are also steps we can all take at home to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness. The CDC offers a list of preventative actions on its website. The list includes:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water.
- 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 a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
To see the entire list, visit the CDC website - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/get-your-household-ready-for-COVID-19.html
We will be monitoring the situation as it evolves. Updates will be provided as needed via our district social media (Facebook and Twitter), on our website, and our parent/guardian/staff notification system.
Thank you,
Tracey Miller
Superintendent
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