Coronavirus: DeKalb County Schools Plan For Potential Outbreak

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — DeKalb County School District is taking precaution in case of an outbreak of the new coronavirus, reports WGCL. The new Coronavirus virus, which originated in China is now called COVID-19. It's caused by a member of the Coronavirus that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses .

In a statement to the station, the school district said it's following guidance from the Georgia Department of Public Health.

“...[DPH] states that ‘students, faculty or staff whose family members have traveled from China in the last 14 days do not need to be excluded from school.’ Those who have traveled from China in the past 14 days and do have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing should seek medical care, according to DPH.

Currently, there are no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infection in Georgia.
DCSD is monitoring the status of the coronavirus with our partners at the DeKalb Board of Health, DeKalb Emergency Management Agency, and partners in neighboring school districts. The district will provide updates if the situation evolves. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remains a top priority.

The CDC says the overall risk of coronavirus to the general public is low. Still, the best way to prevent infection from this or any other respiratory virus is:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Learn more about the outbreak on the CDC website.