Paulding County School District Monitoring The Coronavirus

PAULDING COUNTY, GA—Paulding County School District officials announced Wednesday that they are continuing to monitor developments related to the coronavirus (also called COVID-19).

As of March 2, 2020, there are now confirmed cases of the virus in Georgia, but none in the Paulding County community. The Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) web site states that "the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low."

"Even though the immediate health risk may be low, we want parents, students and staff to be assured that the school district is planning for a range for scenarios and is working with the Paulding County Health Department to be prepared should COVID-19 begin to have an impact in our community," school officials said in a statement to parents and faculty.

School officials said they are reviewing the district's continuity of operations plan and is prepared in the event that facility operations and/or instructional delivery need to be adjusted.

"Health professionals are advising that at this time the most effective action any of us can take is to focus on diligent prevention," school officials said.

A video produced by the school district shows some of the routine procedures that keep classrooms, buses and other areas clean and disinfected.

But there are also everyday actions school district officials said everyone can take to stay healthy – the same preventive strategies used during a normal cold and flu season:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze, after using the restroom, and before eating.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and avoid touching others as well.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away after use and wash your hands. If a tissue is not available, cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve, not your hand.
• Do not share eating utensils or drinking containers.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Keep sick children home from school and limit their contact with others. Students should stay home if they are sick until at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medications).
• If you are an employee and feel sick, stay home - please do not go to work.
• Get a flu shot every year.