Coronavirus: Health Information for Families & Staff

Southeast Polk Community School District would like to provide families and staff with an update on COVID-19, commonly referred to as Coronavirus. Iowa and the vast majority of Americans have a low risk of exposure.

However, given recent announcements by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control that Coronavirus may spread – and that cases of influenza are regularly reported – we wanted to share some additional information about steps the school district is taking as well as steps you can take to help prevent the spread of viruses.

This web page will be updated as new information or guidelines are provided by public health officials. Thank you for your support and partnership as we work together to maintain a healthy learning environment.

As we near Spring Break scheduled from March 13-22, Southeast Polk Community School District, continues to follow the global outbreak of COVID-19, a respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus. Many staff and families may have planned trips out of state or even out of the country, which could impact the spread of the virus.

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COVID19 and Spring Break Travel

Awareness 

As of March 10, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identified five countries around the world as being a high risk for the spread of Coronavirus: China, Iran, Italy, Japan, South Korea.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends that anyone who visits those countries voluntarily self-isolate for 14 days upon their return.

Families who plan to travel to any of these areas should notify their school nurse to make arrangements for the student’s re-entry to school. In addition, families who visit any destination the CDC has identified as high risk for Coronavirus should follow its public health recommendations.

There are currently no other travel advisories or restrictions pertaining to Coronavirus, either internationally or within the United States. However, at this time, Coronavirus cases have been confirmed in nearly 100 countries and 35 states, including Iowa. Before traveling, be sure to stay informed. 

What We Are Doing

During spring break our custodial staff will be conducting a thorough, deep cleaning of all buildings including classrooms, restrooms, cafeterias, hallways, offices, entryways, stairways, and athletic areas.  

Southeast Polk CSD is in regular contact with state and local public health agencies and will share new information as it is available.  We remain vigilant and are prepared to make decisions based on current recommendations from local state and health officials.

What You Can Do to Help

Whether or not you plan to travel over Spring Break, families and community members can help by following these simple, easy steps that help prevent the spread of ALL contagious viruses, including COVID-19. Practice the same routine hygiene used to help prevent the cold and flu. While there are many legitimate concerns about Coronavirus, being well informed and taking some preventive steps can keep everyone healthy and safe.

• If you are sick, stay home.
• Cover your mouth with your upper arm or a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

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WHAT SOUTHEAST POLK IS DOING

Southeast Polk Community School District is in regular contact with Polk County Public Health and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), and following guidelines and best practices from those entities and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) when it comes to responding to public health concerns, including Coronavirus and influenza.

The District recently reviewed and updated our Pandemic Response Plan. We have also reviewed our cleaning and disinfecting guidelines for schools, to help prevent the spread of viruses, and have increased our inventory of cleaning and safety supplies should they become necessary.

Southeast Polk will continue to monitor the situation with county and state health officials. Should Iowa’s status change, the district will turn to IDPH and the CDC and follow any updated guidelines.

WHAT YOU CAN DO 

It is important to understand the risk of influenza is much higher than the risk of COVID-19 in Iowa right now. Review good hygiene with your family to help keep them safe. Examples of some routine, everyday preventive actions to reduce the spread of viruses include:

• If a student or staff member is sick, do not come to school.
• Cover your mouth with your upper arm or a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

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TRUSTED RESOURCES 

Stay informed and look for information on this virus and the situation from reliable and trusted sources:
The IDPH, CDC, and Polk County Health (PCPH) provide timely resources to school districts. This information is critical to prepare and respond as needed. Where you get your information about this virus is important. Look for information from reliable and trusted experts. Social media posts often report partial or inaccurate information.

World Health Organization: Coronavirus FAQs
World Health Organization
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Iowa Department of Public Health
Polk County Health Department