Update (3-11-20)
\r\nIn an effort to keep our community well informed, a staff member from Mesa Elementary School self-quarantined at home due to flu-like symptoms and due to the fact that they traveled to the West side of the state two weeks ago. At this time they have not been tested yet and are not confirmed to have the virus.
\r\nNFSD is in contact with the Health Department and are following their current recommendation to continue cleaning and disinfecting commonly-touched surfaces. At this time a school closure is not being recommended by the Health Department. However, out of an abundance of caution, NFSD is taking the added measure of sending a team tonight to conduct a much more thorough disinfection than usual.
\r\nThe Health Department advises families to monitor for any flu-like symptoms and continue to follow these prevention steps:
\r\n· Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer\r\n· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.\r\n· Avoid contact with people who are sick.\r\n· Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.\r\n· Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing
\r\nNFSD will continue to keep you informed with any updates or added recommendations from the Health Department.
\r\nIf parents choose to keep their students home, they need to contact the school and follow normal attendance procedures.
**Fevers**
The Washington State Department of Health and the local Benton-Franklin Health District issued new guidance to schools about fevers and the amount of time students should stay at home:
\r\n“If you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, you should stay home, away from others, until 72 hours after the fever is gone and symptoms get better."
\r\nThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers a person to have a fever when he or she has a measured temperature of 100.4° F (38° C). If your child has a fever, please plan on keeping them at home until 72 hours after the fever is gone and symptoms are better.
\r\nIf you have questions about your child's attendance, please contact your school.
\r\n**Events & Activities**
\r\nAt this time, the school district has not postponed or cancelled any school events or activities. The current guidance from the Benton-Franklin Health District does recommend social distancing for people at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
\r\nThose at higher risk include people who:
\r\n-Are over 60 years of age -Have an underlying medical condition, like heart disease, lung disease or diabetes -Have weakened immune systems -Are pregnant
\r\nIf you have questions about whether you or your child is at a higher risk from COVID-19, ask your health care provider.
\r\nSource: Benton-Franklin Health District
En un esfuerzo por mantener a nuestra comunidad bien informada, un miembro del personal de la Escuela Primaria Mesa se puso en cuarentena en su hogar debido a síntomas parecidos a la gripe y al hecho de que viajaron al oeste del estado hace dos semanas. En este momento aún no se han probado y no se ha confirmado que tengan el virus.
\r\nNFSD está en contacto con el Departamento de Salud y está siguiendo su recomendación actual para continuar limpiando y desinfectando las superficies que se tocan con frecuencia. En este momento, el Departamento de Salud no recomienda el cierre de la escuela. Sin embargo, por precaución, el NFSD está tomando la medida adicional de enviar un equipo esta noche para llevar a cabo una desinfección mucho más exhaustiva de lo habitual.
\r\nEl Departamento de Salud aconseja a las familias que controlen cualquier síntoma similar a la gripe y que sigan estos pasos de prevención:
\r\n· Lávese las manos frecuentemente con agua y jabón. Si no está disponible, use desinfectante para manos\r\n· Evite tocarse los ojos, la nariz o la boca con las manos sin lavar.\r\n· Evite el contacto con personas enfermas.\r\n· Quédese en casa mientras esté enfermo y evite el contacto cercano con otras personas.\r\n· Cúbrase la boca / nariz con un pañuelo desechable o manga cuando tosa o estornude
\r\nNFSD continuará manteniéndolo informado con cualquier actualización o recomendación adicional del Departamento de Salud.
\r\nSi los padres eligen mantener a sus estudiantes en casa, deben comunicarse con la escuela y seguir los procedimientos normales de asistencia.