Information on Coronavirus for staff and families - March 9
Broken Arrow Public Schools is committed to the safety and wellbeing of its students and staff and is prepared to efficiently and effectively respond to a multitude of emergency situations. With growing concerns about the potential spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), Broken Arrow Public Schools is continually monitoring reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Tulsa County Health Department to stay up to date with the latest information.
At this time, there is one confirmed case of Coronavirus in the state of Oklahoma. Should a case in Broken Arrow occur, the district will work closely with the CDC and follow their advice and guidelines.
Currently, Broken Arrow Public Schools is taking proactive measures to reduce germs in its schools. The district’s operations team remains focused on cleaning high-touch surfaces by utilizing the Clorox® Total 360® System at its school sites and district offices. This equipment uses a patented electrostatic delivery system that helps cleaning solutions “cling” to surfaces like desks, locker rooms or door handles. Custodians using the system can cover up to 18,000 square feet per hour, working up to four times faster than traditional cleaning methods and using up to 65 percent less solution.
To help prevent the spread of germs in our schools, the CDC recommends the following measures:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands.
- Practice social distancing from people who are sick. Maintain a reasonable distance (5 feet is recommended) and restrict physical contact such as handshakes and hugs.
- Keep children home when they are sick. The CDC recommends individuals remain home for at least 24 hours after last recorded fever or signs of a fever (i.e., chills, aches, feeling warm, flushed appearance). Keeping children home when they are sick is critical to prevention.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or cover cough or sneeze with your elbow. Do not cough or sneeze into your hand or into the air.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces.
With spring break taking place next week, the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Oklahoma State Department of Education have partnered together to provide specific guidance on spring break travels.
Individuals returning from travel to China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, Japan or any other Level 2 or 3 country as identified by the CDC should self-quarantine for a period of 14 days before returning to school. This applies to all students, teachers and district staff.
If you’re returning from a Level 2 or 3 country, please review the following:
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your supervisor before returning to work.
- Do not take public transportation, taxis or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
- Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
- Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet).
Please refer frequently to the CDC Travelers Guidance as other countries may be elevated to Level 2 or 3 at any time.
For more information on the Coronavirus, please click the links below.
- Tulsa Health Department – About Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
- Oklahoma State Department of Health – Information Regarding Travel, Spread of Coronavirus, Frequently Asked Questions, and More
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Preventative Measures for Coronavirus
Should you have any questions or individual precautionary concerns, please contact your school site’s principal.