Coronavirus update from Chesterfield County School District
March 12, 2020
Coronavirus update from Chesterfield County School District
We would like to share a brief update on the responses to Covid-19. At the time of this update, the State Department of Education, DHEC and the Governor’s office are advising districts and schools to continue business as usual.
While there have been several rumors related to students and staff in Chesterfield County School District testing positive for the virus, as of the writing of this memo, we have not been informed by DHEC of any positive tests.
If there are positive tests, we will follow the direction of DHEC.
We continue to take steps regarding our facilities. We will take advantage of the long weekend to have some custodial staff working in all schools tomorrow to do additional cleaning and disinfecting. We have also received additional antiseptic products for use in our schools.
At this point, neither the State Department of Education nor the Governor’s Office has issued any restrictions related to field trips or athletics. We will continue to monitor these matters and will take appropriate action if this guidance is updated.
Obviously, this is a very fluid situation, and we will adjust as the situation warrants.
DHEC asks that we remind our students and their families that we all play a role in reducing the likelihood of a coronavirus outbreak in our school district community. We encourage everyone to practice good habits, including:
Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the restroom and before preparing or consuming food. Wash for 20 seconds, using soap and water. Be sure to also wash your fingertips.
Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands or in the air. Always try to cough or sneeze into a tissue, and then throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough/sneeze into your arm.
As much as you can, avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
If children are feeling sick, please keep them home from school. Be sure that they are fever free for at least 24 hours before returning to school so that they do not risk infecting others.
As always, the safety of our students, staff and families remains our top priority. We will act out of an abundance of caution to protect everyone’s health and wellbeing.
We want to share with you a free website (MUSC.CARE).
You are encouraged to use this site if you believe you or anyone you know has an onset of symptoms. This “telehealth” website is managed by providers at MUSC and is free if you enter the promo code: COVID19.
Dr. J. Harrison Goodwin
Superintendent
Chesterfield County School District
