District Update and Information from Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

District Leadership along with local health professionals met this morning to discuss next steps moving forward to address concerns about Coronavirus.  We want to ensure our stakeholders that our medical community is ready to face this challenge.  During the past few weeks professionals from Marcum and Wallace Hospital, Estill County Health Department and local clinics have made sure proper protocols are in place to meet the needs of Estill County.  The Department for Public Health is hosting a webinar on Thursday, March 12th from 10:30 to 12:00 to discuss COVID-19 and community recommendations. Members of our staff will be on hand to hear the most recent recommendations  

During the meeting this morning, the following topics were addressed:

1. Re-educate our students and community about proper steps to prevent the spread of any infectious disease.
2. Establish better communication between home and school when students are absent for more than two days.  We are focusing on student and family health, not school absences.
3. We have focused on providing safe and clean facilities throughout the year due to seasonal flu, but new protocol will immediately go into place to address this growing concern.
4. We discussed Out of State and Local field trips.  At this time there are no travel restrictions in place, so we do not want to deny our students these opportunities.  If a parent does not feel comfortable having their child participate, then that is totally your decision and no student will be held accountable for not attending.  If warranted in the future, the district reserves the right to cancel all trips. 
5. Athletic events at this time will go on as scheduled.  Again, no travel restrictions are in place, but the district does reserve the right to change this policy at any time.
6. We want to ensure proper communication with all stakeholders.  We will use all means available to make sure you are up-to-date.

The safety and welfare of our students and staff will be our first priority. 

Finally, The State of Kentucky has created a dedicated website for distribution of information and news concerning Coronavirus/COVID19. 

The website address is:

http://www.kycovid19.ky.gov/

Prevention Guidelines for Coronavirus:

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to  others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

• Wash your 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. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website

For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers

The State has also established a hotline that anyone can call to ask questions concerning COVID19.  That number is:

1-800-722-5725. 

Stay safe and be vigilant. 

Jeff Saylor, Superintendent 

Estill County Schools