No direct coronavirus impact on DQ schools so far; UPDATED with statement from superintendent
The Du Quoin schools have felt no impact from fears surrounding the coronavirus, Superintendent Matt Hickam said, and all planned activities are so far going on as scheduled, including the upcoming 7th and 8th grade trip to Washington D.C.
"Right now, (we've been) gathering info, and reviewing existing board policies related to contagious diseases," Hickam said Friday.
"Between state agencies and professional organizations like the Perry County Health Department, a lot of information is being sent to schools urging the same precautions you would take for any virus," he added. "There are a lot of friendly reminders about preventive measures."
Hickam said in the event of a coronavirus breakout in Du Quoin, the schools would obviously be prepared to alter planned events.
"We've had schools in this area that were (closed) because of influenza this year," he said. "Fortunately we haven't had to do that."
Hickam said outside of the Washington D.C. trip, very little travel is planned for Du Quoin students this year. He said in past summers teachers have organized student trips - including to Quebec and even the Galápagos Islands - but he doesn't think anything is on for this summer. Those aren't official school trips.
As well, the high school does not have a foreign exchange student this year, Hickam added.
UPDATE
Statement (3/12/20) from Superintendent Matt Hickam:
Dear District 300 students, staff and families,
Over the next few weeks our community will be affected in some way by the coronavirus that has entered the State of Illinois and the United States. As a school district, our goals for the next few weeks are:
• To make sure our students and families are informed. If you have questions, please feel free to contact your child's principal, or superintendent. If you have questions regarding COVID-19 (the coronavirus), please call the Illinois Dept. of Public Health hotline at (800) 889-3931.
• To spend time daily using disinfectant on frequently used surfaces such as door handles, bathrooms, etc. (special thanks to our Durham Transportation bus drivers for wiping down bus seats.)
• To implement an emergency plan involving which may include e-learning to handle short-term situations should the virus impact our community.
• To educate and remind students the proper way to wash hands, sanitize and protect themselves.
The health and safety of our students is our top priority, so we want to share with you information that the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has published for schools throughout the state.
The good news at this time is that the health risk to children from coronavirus remains low. Currently, the IDPH recommends schools hold classes and events as usual, and follow routine cleaning and disinfecting procedures; no special measures are necessary.
The IDPH also recommends the best way to protect against coronavirus is by taking the same everyday precautions against getting sick in general. These include:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Staying home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Information from the Center for Disease Control can be found at this address:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Information from the Illinois Department of Public Health can be found at this address:
http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus
We will continue to closely monitor recommendations regarding coronavirus and will update you as soon as there are any significant changes in recommendations for schools. Thank you for your support in helping to keep our school community healthy.