March 12, 2020
Dear SouthWest Metro Families and Students:
Many people have questions about the outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus called COVID-19, especially how it may affect schools. We are writing to assure you that SouthWest Metro in partnership with school leaders from across our region and state are reviewing emergency management plans to prepare for the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are closely monitoring the situation and regularly providing guidance. We are working with state and local agencies to stay up-to-date on the best ways to keep students and staff safe. We will continue to update our plans and provide you with more information as it becomes available.
We are in the prevention stage of helping manage the spread of COVID-19. The most important things we can all do are follow the guidelines recommended to prevent the spread of any illness:
- Protect yourself and others by washing your hands often with soap and water; covering your cough and sneeze; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- If you or your child are sick, stay home from school and activities.
- Do not return to school or work until you are feeling better and a fever is gone for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.
- Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home. Keep enough food, regular prescription drugs, and other necessities on hand in case you need to stay home and are not able to go out easily.
- Frequently clean all commonly touched work surfaces, work areas, and equipment (e.g., telephones, doorknobs, lunch areas, countertops, copiers, etc.).
At this time, students who are not ill can still safely come to school. We understand the burden placed on families when school is closed, especially for an extended time. In addition, as the coronavirus continues to spread, a significant strain will be placed on medical providers. Many medical providers have children in schools and are taken out of needed medical positions when they must stay home with children due to school closings. At this time, all SouthWest Metro schools and programs will remain open until directed otherwise by state officials. We will keep you updated with any important information.
To keep the flu from spreading to more people, we ask that you keep children sick with flu-like symptoms home. Any children who are sick in school will be sent home in an effort to protect other students and staff. If your student or family are placed in self-quarantine by medical professionals, please share that documentation with us and your student’s absence will be recorded as excused.
If you have questions about infectious diseases, call the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-5414 or visit:
Sincerely,
Darren G. Kermes
Superintendent
SouthWest Metro Intermediate District