Schools across Butler County are joining together to let parents know of the preventive measures they’re collectively taking regarding the coronavirus.
A letter signed by all eight school district superintendents in the county was sent to parents this morning informing them that their schools are following CDC recommendations and proactively planning in case measures need to be put in place.
They said district officials and nurses remain in constant contact with county leaders and health care providers discussing official updates and sharing information.
Currently—there are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Butler County or in Pennsylvania.
The following was the text included in the letter:
Parents/Guardians,
The health, safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. With the recently elevated discussion regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) in the news, we want to take a moment to reinforce preventive safety measures and reference our process and communications.
While there are NO confirmed cases at the District level or in Pennsylvania regarding coronavirus, we are continuing to closely monitor updates and are following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations in proactively planning should measures need to be put in place. All Butler County Superintendents/Executive Director and School Nurses are maintaining regular contact with Butler County leaders, Pennsylvania Department of Health officials, Butler Health System and other health care providers to discuss official updates, share information and, if needed, to coordinate any response. We are committed to collaborating in this effort and making the best possible decisions for our students, staff and families.
In all districts, we are working with our custodians and cleaning companies to ensure that we are very diligent in our cleaning practices. As a best practice for overall health in cold and influenza season, the CDC recommends that individuals receive the influenza vaccination and engage in everyday, preventative measures to reduce the spread of germs and avoid illness, including:
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Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
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Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands.
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Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
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Stay home when you are sick. The CDC recommends that individuals remain home for a minimum of 24 hours after you no longer have a fever.
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Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately discard the tissue in the trash.
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Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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Take any anti-viral medication prescribed to you as instructed.
Any specific health concerns should be directed to your family physician or healthcare provider. Anyone who will be traveling in the coming weeks may also want to take note of the CDC’s travel advisory at https://www.cdc.gov/
Our districts will provide more information as it becomes available or in the event that the situation changes. Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students and staff safe.
Sincerely,
Dr. Alfonso Angelucci, Superintendent
Slippery Rock Area School District
Dr. David Foley, Superintendent
South Butler County School District
Mr. Eric Ritzert, Superintendent
Karns City Area School District
Mr. Thomas Samosky, Superintendent
Moniteau School District
Dr. Wesley Shipley, Superintendent
Mars Area School District
Mr. Kurt Speicher, Executive Director
Butler Co. Area Vocational-Technical School
Dr. Tracy Vitale, Superintendent
Seneca Valley School District
Dr. Brian White, Superintendent
Butler Area School District