TMSA's RESPONSE
TO CORONAVIRUS
March 4, 2020
Parents and Guardians,
With ongoing concerns
over the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to share information about the
measures. TMSA is closely following the updates from the NC Department of
Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC).
Questions about International Travelers
We understand that
some of you may have questions about families or students traveling
internationally. Health organizations - not schools - identify international
travelers who may have been exposed to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). If
health officials have not placed someone under quarantine, they are allowed to
be in our schools.
The CDC, federal and
state health departments are aware of international travelers as they enter the
United States. Health officials determine whether international travelers must
be quarantined and monitor that process. Once health officials release a
traveler from quarantine, they are deemed to not be contagious and can resume
their normal activities, including going to school.
Preventing the Spread of Illnesses
State health officials
have assured us that we should maintain our regular, routine cleaning
procedures in our schools. They've stressed to us that we should approach the
Coronavirus (COVID-19) the same as influenza.
The CDC and health
departments emphasize the importance of good hygiene practices and maintaining
normal cleaning routines to fight germs and prevent the spread of illnesses, like:
- Regular, thorough hand washing
with soap and water
- Staying home if you or your
child has had a fever, used fever-reducing medication, or experienced
symptoms of illness within the past 24 hours
If you are concerned
that you or an immediate family member may have been exposed to the Coronavirus
(COVID-19), you should call your medical provider or primary care physician.
Preparations for Local Impact
As always, the safety
of our staff, students, and families is our top priority.
In the event of a
local case of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we will follow guidelines and
recommendations from the CDC. We're following the situation closely and working
with health officials to develop contingency plans should the situation
escalate.
We are also mindful of
our actions as TMSA, making sure we do not take actions that could cause
unnecessary public panic. We are coordinating with and following the
recommendations of federal, state, and local health agencies with expertise
addressing communicable diseases.
Know that we will
continue to take every measure to ensure the health and safety of our students.
If you have further questions or concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), you
can view the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/ or NC Department of Health and Human Services website.
Thank you for your continued
support of our schools.