Dear SSD Families:
As you may already know, the spread of the Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) in China and other parts of the world has generated a great deal of news and questions over the last few weeks. Though the current risk to Arkansas is low, we want to assure families that the Sheridan School District is monitoring the situation closely and is already in contact with the Arkansas Department of Health to ensure we continue to have the most up-to-date information about the virus.
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) virus, and we are learning more about it every day. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. At this point, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes it. Stopping the transmission (spread) of the virus through everyday practices is the best way to keep people healthy. Form more information regarding this virus, go to
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
We are asking parents to help in the effort to minimize the spread of this type of virus by having your family follow the recommendations from the CDC, which are the same ones that everyone should practice during the flu season.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
The health department has also requested the district to monitor travelers who have returned within the last 14 days from countries with sustained community transmission. Currently the affected countries are China, South Korea, Italy, Iran and Japan. If someone in your household has traveled to one of these affected countries within the last 14 days, please contact your child’s school nurse.
The health and well-being of our students is our top priority, and we will do everything we possibly can to combat this illness if it should make its way to Arkansas. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the health department or your child’s school nurse.
Sincerely,
SSD Communications