COVID-19 Updates and Resources

As the number of people who test positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) begins to climb in Kent County, inevitably we will have students, staff, and family members who will be among those infected by COVID-19.  Our school is in frequent communication with the Kent County Health Department during this difficult time.  The Health Department is responsible for monitoring the incidence of COVID-19 in our community.  Those who test positive are contacted by the Health Department and those people who meet the CDC definition of a close contact are also notified.  The Health Department staff orients cases and their close contacts about the need for isolation or quarantine.  While only a portion of our community will require quarantine,  all of us should be monitoring for symptoms,  maintaining a safe distance from other people whenever possible,  staying home unless it is essential to go out, and washing hands and surfaces frequently.  These steps are good for everyone, whether you have had exposure or not.  As a school, we will not be informing our school families every time one of our students tests positive unless there is a specific reason to do so. We want to respect the confidentiality of each family.  The Health Department is very diligent in their contact investigation and surveillance.  Since school has not been in session for thirteen days, the Kent County Health Department has informed us that the likelihood that your child was exposed to COVID-19 in the school setting is extremely low.   If you have specific questions or concerns, please reach out to the Health Department at 632-7228.

A medida que el número de personas que dan positivo para COVID-19 (Coronavirus) comienza a subir en el condado de Kent, inevitablemente tendremos estudiantes, personal y familiares que estarán entre los infectados por COVID-19. Nuestra escuela está en comunicación frecuente con el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Kent durante este momento difícil. El Departamento de Salud es responsable de monitorear la incidencia de COVID-19 en nuestra comunidad. Aquellos que dan positivo son contactados por el Departamento de Salud y aquellas personas que cumplen con la definición de contacto cercano del CDC también son notificados. El personal del Departamento de Salud orienta a los casos y las personas que tuvieron contacto cercano con ellos sobre la necesidad de aislamiento o cuarentena. Si bien sólo una parte de nuestra comunidad requerirá cuarentena, todos debemos monitorear los síntomas, mantener una distancia segura de otras personas siempre que sea posible, permanecer en casa a menos que sea esencial salir, y lavarnos las manos y limpiar las superficies con frecuencia. Estos pasos son buenos para todos, ya sea que haya tenido exposición al virus o no. Como escuela, no informaremos a nuestras familias escolares cada vez que uno de nuestros estudiantes resulte positivo a menos que haya una razón específica para hacerlo. Queremos respetar la confidencialidad de cada familia. El Departamento de Salud es muy diligente en su investigación y vigilancia constantes. Dado que la escuela ha estado cerrada durante trece días, el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Kent nos ha informado que la probabilidad de que su hijo haya estado expuesto a COVID-19 en el entorno escolar es extremadamente baja. Si tiene preguntas o inquietudes específicas, comuníquese con el Departamento de Salud al 632-7228.

Kent ISD's highest concern will always be the welfare of our students, staff and school communities.  We are coordinating directly and daily with Kent County Health Department and local and regional superintendents to ensure safety for all. Please know we are doing everything possible to prepare for and prevent the spread of Coronavirus and all other communicable diseases.

While a new type of illness can be scary, we can protect our students, teachers, and the broader community by using simple everyday actions that protect people from other types of respiratory viruses. Our staff are working carefully to encourage these simple and effective habits:

• Stay informed regarding executive orders on restricted activities.  Find updates regarding the governor's orders on Michigan.gov.
• Practice safe social distancing and wear a mask. Wearing a mask is shown to be highly effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and is currently required by state law in indoor public spaces and large outdoor gatherings.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Retain a social space between yourself and others.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes, then dispose of the tissue. When a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Find additional CDC resources on how to clean and disinfect schools here.
• Wash hands for 20 seconds. Washing hands often under clean, running water can help prevent the spread of germs. For more guidance see the CDC: When and How to Wash Your Hands. If you cannot wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60-95% alcohol.
• Symptoms of COVID-19 may be mild or severe and include:
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shrtness of breath

Find updates, best practices for individuals and organizations and other information about COVID-19 from these sources:

• Kent County Health Department 
• Michigan Department of Heath and Human Services
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• World Health Organization 

For Schools

• CDC Guidance for School Administrators

For the Public

• A Guide to Basic Preventative Measures
• Frequently Asked Questions about Coronavirus Answered by WHO
• FAQs Answered by CDC