March 11, 2020
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update from Kraig Hissong, Superintendent, West Liberty-Salem Local School:
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ohio and our country continues to evolve each day. This week the first cases of the Coronavirus were confirmed in Ohio, and recently The Ohio State University, University of Dayton, and many other colleges and universities have created plans to try to avoid the spread of the disease among their students and staff as a result of Spring Break travel. At West Liberty-Salem we are also reviewing the latest information regarding the spread of the Coronavirus to hopefully mitigate its impact on our students, staff, and community.
Following Governor Mike DeWine’s press conference today, March 11, a strong recommendation has been made to limit large indoor events in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. West Liberty-Salem School District has made the decision to cancel, postpone or limit visitors to upcoming events based on the Governor’s Social Distancing Protocol. (Events are listed below.)
At this time, most of the information provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Ohio Department of Health has focused on prevention and controlling the exposure and spread of the virus. Just like the flu, the Coronavirus is spread through contact with individuals who are carrying or infected by the virus. As of March 11, 2020, there are four confirmed cases in Ohio. The risk is still relatively low for our area; however, traveling to other locations where there are cases of the Coronavirus or attending large public events increases the chances for exposure.
We continue to take all precautions in our building including, but not limited to:
-Typical personal hygiene best practices are being reinforced as always during any flu and cold season.
-Staff and students are strongly encouraged to practice hand washing for at least 20 seconds prior to meals or after they come into contact with surfaces that are frequently touch by others, door handles, computer keyboards, etc.
-Staff and students should avoid placing their hands on the face, eyes, nose and mouth. Please encourage this at home as well.
-Custodians and staff are disinfecting services touched by students frequently during the day.
-Hand sanitizing stations have been installed in high-traffic areas throughout the building.
-Rooms and surfaces are disinfected regularly using the Karcher Mister. This is a device commonly used in hospitals and nursing homes and has been a wonderful asset to the district. It has reduced the amount of time it takes to sanitize areas and has allowed staff more time to cover more areas effectively.
What you can do at home?
-Wash coats and sanitize back packs and lunch boxes frequently.
-Encourage hydration, 8 hours of sleep, and healthy eating habits to ensure students are getting the proper nutrients for a healthy immune system.
-Remind your students to wash their hands frequently and keep hands away from their faces; particularly the nose and mouth
-Stay home if you are sick and clean surfaces regularly when caring for someone who is sick.
The following events are cancelled, postponed, or for review:
The following events are cancelled, postponed, or for review:
Sports banquets (Basketball and Wrestling)- Cancelled; coaches will reach out with further information
Remainder of Grandparents Month-Cancelled
Visitors for lunch and outside volunteers are not permitted at this time. Visitors will be limited to office only.
Any non-school affiliated groups will not be permitted to use the building at this time.
3/12 – Literacy Night-Cancelled
3/13 – FFA Southeastern Field Trip-Cancelled
3/13 – MS Spring Dance POSTPONED
3/13 – Pre School Screening Cancelled
3/14 – WL Ball Association Camp-previously CANCELLED
3/14 – AA Reverse Raffle-POSTPONED
3-16-3/20 – Elementary Library Book Fair-still on, but outside visitors are not permitted to attend
3/17 – Boys BB Awards Banquet-Cancelled
3/18 – Elementary Talent Show Rehearsal-parents are not permitted to attend
3/20 – Elem. Talent Show-outside spectators will not be permitted but the show will go on for students only
3/20 – FFA Beef Expo Trip- Cancelled
3/21– Science Olympiads-Cancelled
3/20-21 – Musical-Postponed NOT cancelled; stay tuned as Mr. Henry irons details for future dates
3/23-3/27- Spring Break
4/1 – Walk At School -Cancelled
4/2 – Champaign Co. Choir Festival-WL-S will not attend
4/7 – Elementary 4th grade music program-Cancelled
4/7 – Chicago Parents meeting rescheduled TBA
4/8 – WLSAA meeting will be relocated; watch their facebook page for an update