News coverage of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and how it is impacting nations around the world may prompt you to wonder what safety practices Chagrin Falls Schools has in place to minimize the spread of illness, including influenza (flu).  According to the Ohio Department of Health, activity levels for the flu have increased over the past several weeks.

As a reminder,

• Do not send your child to school if they are feeling sick.

• The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that can cause mild to severe illness.

• Symptoms of influenza can vary, but generally include a high fever, headache, chills, body aches, sore throat, runny nose and cough.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer these tips to prevent the flu:

• Get vaccinated every year.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Stay home if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

COVID-19 is a virus strain identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. Common symptoms include: 

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing  

The recommendations for preventing the spread of coronavirus are the same as the flu. We have posted information from the CDC on our Health Services page (UNDER PARENTS TAB) on our website.

In addition to closely partnering with public health agencies to keep up-to-date on this evolving situation, Chagrin Falls Schools is following existing safety practices to minimize the spread of illness and to encourage good health.  Safe school plans are in place at each of our schools. We encourage preventative actions, including:

• Routinely cleaning frequently touched surfaces. Our custodians daily disinfect high contact surfaces like desks, counters, doorknobs and bathrooms.

• Washing hands frequently.

• Encouraging students and staff to stay home if they are ill. If running a fever (>100.0), it is recommended that students remain at home until the fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines.

• Using respiratory etiquette (e.g. covering coughs, using tissue and no touch trash cans).

• Our school nurses and health aides are valued partners in our healthy school efforts, and assist if a student falls ill while at school

Parents can keep up with the latest news about the coronavirus outbreak and actions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control online at https://www.cdc.gov/ and through the Ohio Department of Health at: https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/Novel-Coronavirus/2019-nCoV.

Additional information can be found at: 

 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-for-schools.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
https://www.ccbh.net/coronavirus/

As new information is available, or if public health recommendations for schools change, we will keep our community informed.