Parents and Staff,
There are currently no known cases of COVID-19 in Palm Beach County. If the FDOH and the CDC do confirm a case or cases, you will be informed of that and how the District may be impacted.
As you may have heard, the Health Department is continually testing people who may have come in contact with someone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19.
We have also discussed with health officials the proper protocol when a person has had contact with an individual who has had direct contact with a person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19. Again, FDOH has not reported any cases of Coronavirus in our schools.
I want to assure students, staff, and parents that while our District is functioning as normal, I have ordered many proactive measures behind the scenes. The District continues enhanced, deep-cleaning methods, initiated last month.
Additionally, District administrators have an infectious disease response plan in place to ensure that learning continues, in the remote chance that our normal operations are disrupted by an outbreak.
In addition to the FDOH and the CDC, the District is also working very closely with County officials, both at the Emergency Operations Center and the Board of County Commissioners.
Through collaboration and coordination with local, state, and federal officials, our schools are taking deliberate steps to disseminate information about the disease and its potential transmission within their school community.
In an abundance of caution, I have suspended District-sponsored, out of country, field trips. I am also recommending that students and staff cancel any non-District sponsored international field trips booked through a third-party vendor.
In-country field trips will be decided on a case-by-case basis. The District reserves the option to cancel a field trip at any time due to health concerns for students and staff.
Please refer to the District’s dedicated Coronavirus website for a list of cancelations: palmbeachschools.org/coronavirus
Many families are planning to travel during the upcoming Spring Break. The Florida Department of Health would like to remind those who are considering travel to China, that the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory advising U.S. residents not to travel to China.
A Level 3 travel advisory has been issued for Italy and South Korea, recommending that U.S. residents reconsider their travel plans. A Level 2 travel advisory has been issued for Japan, recommending that U.S. residents exercise increased caution when traveling to that country.
It’s important that travelers become familiar with CDC guidelines for returning travelers. Upon returning to Florida, self-monitor for fever, cough, or other respiratory symptoms for 14 days. If you do feel sick within 14 days of returning from China, Iran, Italy, Japan or South Korea, the CDC advises you should:
- Seek medical care; contact the health care provider by phone ahead of your visit and tell them about your recent travel and symptoms.
- Contact your county health department: (floridahealth.gov/chdepicontact)
Avoid contact with other people. - Delay any additional travel plans until you are no longer sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Please
continue to monitor information provided by the FDOH, the CDC, and
information provided on the District's dedicated Coronavirus website.
Respectfully,
Dr. Donald E. Fennoy II
Superintendent, School District of Palm Beach County
Dr. Donald E. Fennoy II
Superintendent, School District of Palm Beach County
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