You've likely been following the news of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in California. We wanted to take a moment to provide you with an update on what VESD is doing to our schools to prepare for the event of this illness spreading into our community. It's important to note that, at this time, the risk to Victorville residents is low. However, given the possible case of "community transmission," we want to be sure we are prepared.
We have formed a task force to continue to monitor developments related to the spread and transmission of COVID-19 and to follow guidance provided by the CDC, as well as State of California and San Bernardino County public health officials. In order to be proactive, the district has begun the following preventative measures:
- Provide extra cleaning of all school sites and buses.
- Educating staff/students on preventative measures.
- Ongoing meetings with our health and safety teams to ensure protocols are in place and followed at our school sites.
- Posting flyers with tips on preventing the spread of viruses.
- Regular communication with health department and county office of emergency services.
For confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms can include:
Been in contact with someone with Coronavirus OR been to China in the last 14 days AND
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
DO NOT COME TO WORK OR ATTEND CLASS IF YOU ARE SICK OR SYMPTOMATIC. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IF YOUR SYMPTOMS WORSEN.
The CDC recommends that we all help respond to this public health threat by taking simple, everyday precautions such as:
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.
As we respond and adapt to new information, we want to remind everyone that no member of our community should be made to feel that they are unwelcome due to their race, national origin, recent travel or because they are wearing a mask.
We will keep you updated with any changes. Together we can work to keep our schools and workplaces healthy!
For more information, please visit the San Bernardino County Public Health Department at http://wp.sbcounty.gov/dph/ or at 800.782.4264.