February 26, 2020 --
Dear Parents,
We are reaching out to provide information about the respiratory disease COVID-19 or the “Coronavirus.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 53 confirmed cases in the United States with one case in Boston. Currently, exposure risk remains low for individuals who have remained in the U.S. and who have not traveled abroad to countries where the virus has spread. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html)
The Medfield Public Schools is in communication with the Medfield Board of Health, the school district's physician, the Town Administrator, Police Chief, and Fire Chief to utilize information and guidance from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services Department of Public Health, Center for Disease Control, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Here is an update from Feb. 24:
- The risk to Massachusetts residents who have not visited China remains low.
- Precautions to prevent colds and flu will also prevent transmission of COVID-19.
- Individuals are to continue with hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and staying home when sick.
- Schools have been instructed to continue with regular cleaning and disinfecting processes.
Also, the following website can provide additional information about the Coronavirus:
https://www.mass.gov/guides/information-on-the-outbreak-of-2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19
In addition, the Medfield Public School attendance guidelines are as follows: Students need to be free from fever, vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school. If a student is sent home for one of these reasons, they are not able to return the next day, and instead need to wait until the following day. These guidelines help prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as:
Respiratory viruses - influenza A, influenza B & rhinovirus (the common cold)
Bacterial infections - streptococcus & pneumococcus (strep throat, pneumonia, ear/sinus infections)
Gastrointestinal illnesses - rotavirus & norovirus (diarrhea and vomiting)
Furthermore, rapid flu and strep testing can help diagnose and treat illnesses both curing disease and shortening duration. The CDC (www.cdc.gov) recognizes that prevention efforts offer the strongest protection from all illnesses including the Coronavirus. These efforts include vaccination for the Flu, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, washing objects/surfaces and staying 6 ft away from individuals who are sick.
We remain deeply committed to student and staff wellness and will continue to keep you informed of updates or changes as advised by our local and state departments of public health.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey J. Marsden
Superintendent of Schools