Huntley 158 families,
News about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread, and along with it worries and questions, especially for families with school-age children. Huntley 158 continues to monitor reports and is following guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health, McHenry County Department of Health, and the Illinois State Board of Education.
Overall, IDPH has advised schools that the current health risk to the general public from 2019-nCoV remains low, both in the U.S. and in Illinois. Our health services staff is aware of this guidance and will continue to act in accordance with best practices as recommended by our public health agencies.
While state and federal agencies are making efforts to blunt the potential spread of the virus, at this time no recommendations of extraordinary measures have been made to schools. Practicing good hygiene, monitoring symptoms, and staying home when sick remain the top recommendations. There have been no recommendations to cancel classes or events, to implement large-scale use of personal protective equipment or to implement special cleaning processes.
Some specific guidance has been issued for students who have traveled to mainland China within the past month. If your student or a close relative that has been in contact with your student has recently traveled to mainland China, please contact your school nurse and/or the local health department.
Some guidance on common illnesses can be found on our Health Services webpage.
Cleaning
The District’s typical cleaning and disinfecting protocols follow guidelines for infection control as recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Staff will remain vigilant in identifying areas that would benefit from additional cleaning.
Hygiene
As always, students and staff are encouraged to practice good handwashing.
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 with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- 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.
The CDC’s Coronavirus information center remains a good resource to find information for individuals and organizations. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
This post updates information previously posted January 31, 2020
