Smithfield Schools Alter Policies Amid Coronavirus Concerns

SMITHFIELD, RI — Students who become sick will be sent home immediately, and the requirement for doctor's notes for any absences waived, as part of the Smithfield Public Schools' preventive measures amid concerns of coronavirus spreading into the region. Smithfield School officials revealed the changes following a conference call with the Department of Health Wednesday night.

Officials said Smithfield nurses will ensure that students and staff who become sick at school, arrive at school sick, are separated from the rest of the school community and sent home as soon as possible. Students and staff will also not have to present a doctor's note for absences for the time being. Officials said there is a specific attendance concern for a student or staff member, that will be addressed individually.

Officials said with any suspected cases of coronavirus they will confer directly with the RI Department of Health whether it is necessary or appropriate to close a school. The Department of Health said widespread virus contamination is not being seen at this time and that the general risk for Rhode Islanders remains low.

Recommendations remain in effect:

Hand hygiene — Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing and sneezing. If soap and water is unavailable, sanitizers may be used. Avoid touching the face, as this is a means of transmitting viruses into the body. Hand shakes should be discontinued.

Respiratory etiquette — Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or a shirt sleeve or elbow if no tissue is available) and throw the tissue in the trash after use, followed by hand washing.

Stay home if ill — Those with flu-like symptoms, including respiratory symptoms, should stay home from school and seek medical attention if the symptoms get worse.

Clean surfaces — Custodians have been instructed to clean door knobs and push bars, hand rails, faucets, bubblers, and other high-touch areas once per day with common cleaners. Our bus company has been instructed to clean buses daily. Cleaning must also take place immediately if there is contamination of surfaces with blood, stool or vomit.

Preventing stigma and discrimination - Stigma and discrimination can occur when people associate an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, with a population or nationality. Being Chinese or Asian-American does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19.