Mansfield Schools Issue Coronavirus Awareness Update

MANSFIELD, MA — Mansfield Superintendent of Schools Teresa Murphy issued a statement on Tuesday on the preventive measures advised and being taken amid concerns about the spread of coronavirus. She said Director of Health Services Christine Dooling and Mansfield Health Agent Amy Donovan-Palmer helped lead a meeting of the Emergency Preparedness Team to discuss protocol and precautions that can be taken regarding the disease.

"Mansfield Public Schools remains diligent in accessing the most current information," Murphy said. "Frequent conference calls with the Massachusetts Department of Health, updates from the National Association of School Nurses, and the Centers for Disease Control keep us apprised of changing guidelines."

Mansfield Schools reiterate the following precautions everyone can all take to remain as healthy
as possible:

• Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, if unable to wash, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeves, not your hands. Throw tissues in the trash and wash your hands with soap and water.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick whenever possible.

If you are ill, stay home. The CDC lists the Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms as:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

"We understand that this is an evolving situation and we are monitoring the situation carefully," Murphy said."In addition, our facilities department is aggressively sanitizing our education spaces as we typically do during cold and flu season. We are following all recommended guidelines to ensure the safety of our students and staff."

Those in Mansfield with any questions about travel restrictions can call the Mansfield Health Department at 508-261-7366. Those with medical questions should contact a physician.

For up to date information from the CDC, please see the following link, https://www.cdc.gov/.