Morris School District: Keep kids home when they are sick

• As of today, there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Morris School District or in NJ.  A March 2nd memo from the NJ Department of Health states:  “Though the CDC considers COVID-19 to be a serious public health concern based on current information, the immediate health risk to the general U.S. public is considered low at this time.”
• The health and safety of our district community remains our foremost consideration. We are carefully monitoring attendance, any signs of respiratory illness, and reports of travel to countries experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks (please see below). If a student or staff member shows respiratory symptoms, our school nurses will follow standard precautions in consultation with our district offices and the Department of Health.
• We are partnering closely with local health department officials.

Procedures Regarding Recent Travel to Level 3 Countries

• The CDC has issued restrictions on travel to China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea, which it has identified as Level 3 countries (widespread, ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19).
• Parents/guardians must notify their school principal or school nurse immediately if their child or member of their immediate family/household has been to one of these Level 3 countries and has recently returned to our community. This includes any siblings who have been sent home from college study abroad programs in a Level 3 country.
• Additionally, if any member of the household becomes ill within 14 days upon returning home from any foreign country, the school must be notified immediately.
• Based on the information we receive from students and families regarding travel to Level 3 countries, students may be required to leave school until medical clearance is obtained or a quarantine period of up to 14 days is implemented. In the case of an extended absence, the district will be flexible regarding absenteeism and will set up home instruction in accordance with our Board of Education Policy 2412.
• Given the widespread coverage of COVID-19 in the news and the strong presence of social media, it is easy for misinformation and alarm to spread. Please help us maintain a calm and stigma-free environment by explaining to your child that their school is taking all precautionary measures for the purpose of ensuring the health and safety of everyone in the building.

Changing Daily Habits: Recommendations for Proper Hygiene to Reduce Viral Transmission

• The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. We would appreciate your reviewing and practicing these healthy habits with your child at home:
  • Keep children home when they are sick, especially if they present with fever (above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 37.7 C). Children should be fever-free (without fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
  • Stay home when you yourself are sick.
  • Wash 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.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with your bent elbow or use a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. Do not cough or sneeze into your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• The CDC also recommends getting a flu shot, stating that “it’s not too late to be protected” from the influenza virus, which also causes respiratory illness.
• Please check your child before school each morning for signs of respiratory illness, especially fever, persistent cough, or shortness of breath.​​​​​
• In our February 27th update, we explained that the district has been preparing for the possibility of an extended closure–just as we prepare for the “worst case scenario” with respect to fire and other emergency scenarios. Because the decision to close schools in the event of an outbreak may be made without much advance notice, working parents may wish to begin investigating childcare options. 
• The best way to help us keep our students and staff safe is by practicing good hygiene, staying home or keeping children home when sick, reporting recent travel as requested, and relying on accurate, evidence-based information.