From Cook County Schools - March 5, 2020

Dear Families and Staff of the Cook County School District;

We are in close and regular communication with the Minnesota Departments of Health (MDH) and Education (MDE) as well as our local Public Health and Emergency Preparedness offices to assure that we have accurate and timely information, the best guidance and plan regarding management of the Coronavirus and cases of COVID- 19.

We are participating in weekly telephone calls with these agencies as well as the National Association of School Nurses when they have guidance to share. Our nurses are communicating regularly, as well, with their colleagues in other districts.

At this time there have been no identified persons in Minnesota with either the coronavirus or the disease which it causes (COVID-19). This morning it was reported that there are two people in the metro who are quarantined due to close contact with a person with the disease.

Any information about specific cases in our area will be shared by MDH along with guidance regarding how to address individual cases. 

The school district cannot independently decide to close school. This can only be done by the legislature and Governor. These entities are currently looking at options should this become necessary.

For now we encourage you to do what you can to protect yourselves, families and the broader community using the following methods:

• Wash hands often for 20 seconds (sing the ABC song slowly or Happy Birthday twice) with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Be sure the sanitizer is fully dry on your hands for full effect.
• Cover coughs and sneezes; cough/sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
• Avoid touching face, eyes, nose, and mouth where germs are most easily spread.
• Maintain 'social distance’--- especially from those who are obviously ill.
• If you or your child are ill, stay home from school and activities.
• Frequently clean commonly touched work surfaces, work areas, and equipment (e.g., telephones, doorknobs, lunch areas, countertops, copiers, etc.).

If you are unsure if your child should come to school, call your school nurse.  They can help you decide if your child is well enough to attend school.

As we have more information to share, we will do so. Until then, don't hesitate to call your school nurse with questions or refer to these sites:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html 

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools.html 

Health Office           Tim Young LPN         387-2271 ext.116