Important Information About Flu Season, Coronavirus
March 5, 2020
Dear Lindbergh Community,
The health and well-being of our students and staff are top priorities for all of us in Lindbergh Schools. At this time, there are no reports of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community or in the state of Missouri.
The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are sharing that the majority of confirmed cases to date have been in adults, not children. However, as discussion of Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues in the media, and reported cases in the United States increase, it is important to share preventive information with families and employees, out of an abundance of caution.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses with common symptoms similar to the flu, which include a fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. For all of these respiratory viruses, the CDC recommends the following best practices to prevent the spread of germs and avoid infection:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick. The CDC recommends that individuals stay home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have signs of a fever (ex: chills, feeling warm, flushed appearance). Students and staff should not return to school until they have been fever-free for 24 hours, without the use of medication such as Tylenol or Motrin.
- Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your inner elbow or a tissue when sneezing or coughing. If a tissue is used, discard in the trash immediately and wash your hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Take any antiviral medication prescribed to you as instructed.
Lindbergh Schools takes measures year-round, and especially during cold and flu season, to maintain healthy learning environments. We are following CDC guidelines for school environments, including regularly disinfecting surfaces such as tables, desks, chairs, door handles, trash cans, handrails, light switches and computer equipment. In addition to each building’s regular custodial crew, the district has designated a custodian to be dedicated specifically to districtwide sanitation.
As always, our primary goal is to care for children and protect their well-being. Lindbergh Schools will continue to consult with the St. Louis County Department of Health, and maintain close communication to provide updates and information if the local situation changes in the future. Please contact your school nurse with any questions about your child’s health and well-being at school.
Additional information is also available by clicking the links below:
Sincerely,
Dr. Tony Lake
Superintendent of Schools