Updates on Coronavirus March 9, 2020

Dear BVSD Families and Staff,

The safety and security of our staff and students is our top priority. We are working daily with our local public health partners on coordination of guidelines and recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19. We have several updates to share with you today. It is important to know that during an outbreak of illness in our community, we would follow the health department’s lead on any quarantines, closures, or other health and safety measures needed. Our focus continues to be on how to ensure the safety of students and staff, and how education can continue, including through online options.

Travel

In conjunction with recommendations at the local agency level, BVSD has made a decision on upcoming travel to protect students and staff. We feel that the below steps are warranted because of the growing health risks to our students and concerns that they could be quarantined far from home.

 

1. School sponsored trips to CDC Level 2 and 3 Travel Advisory countries will be Canceled until further notice. 

2. School/District sponsored trips to states that have declared a State of Emergency will be canceled until further notice.
As of 3/9/20 that includes trips to:

• Washington

• California

• Florida

• Kentucky

• New York

• Maryland

• Utah

• Oregon

Schools with trips that have been affected by these decisions, will be reaching out directly to impacted families with more details.

BVSD will continue to monitor for changes and updates to this list. 

• Be aware that your trip may be canceled up until the date of departure. We may opt to cancel the trip at any time. We will let you know of any changes as soon as possible. For those with planned trips to places other than those on this list, your school will notify you if your trip is being canceled. 

• Please know this decision was not taken lightly, but was made in the interest of the safety of our students. 

• This applies to BVSD staff trips as well.

This guidance only applies for school/district sponsored trips NOT personal/family trips. We will continue to follow the guidance of public health regarding travelers returning to school/work - at this time that is:

• Travelers returning from Level 3 Countries (China, Iran, Italy and South Korea) are being asked to stay home for 14 days, monitor their temperature and symptoms, and practice social distancing.

• Other travelers are being asked to monitor their health for 2 weeks, including staying home if sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing and to contact their provider if they develop these symptoms.

 

What is BVSD Doing

1. Pandemic Plan

BVSD has a pandemic plan which has been developed in cooperation with our local health departments and is working on a plan for the continuation of learning via distance learning options.  You can find the plan on our Coronavirus webpage under Resources.

2. Increased cleaning

• Custodial staff is ramping up cleaning of high touch surfaces. 

• All staff members are being asked to assist in the cleaning of surfaces, especially classrooms.

3. Reminders about proper handwashing and cough etiquette to prevent the spread of germs posters are being put up in schools, and staff are reminding students about the importance of handwashing, coughing into your elbow, etc.

 

Be kind to others

Please remember that COVID-19 is a public health issue -- not the fault of any person, any country, or any ethnic group. There have been national stories recently regarding Asian Americans who have been subjected to hateful and xenophobic treatment these last few weeks.

The Boulder Valley is fortunate to have a diverse community, including families who are from China and other areas impacted by this global outbreak. Please be mindful that they may have family and friends at home they are worried about. Let us be mindful and support all members of the BVSD community who may have family and friends in countries impacted.

Please also know that BVSD will not tolerate any hateful or racist words or actions. Please, care for one another. If you see or hear this kind of behavior, step in and stop it if you can.
 

Immunocompromised Students and Staff

We recognize that the biggest threat from the coronavirus may be to staff and students who are immunocompromised or have a family member who are. We are encouraging anyone in this situation to inform their principal or department leader – so that we can support them during a potential pandemic. 

Please be mindful of vulnerable individuals in coming days and help protect them by thoroughly washing their hands and staying home if you are sick.
 

If you have any questions, please refer to our FAQs here.

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