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Hastings-on-Hudson School District March 5 Update. - All school Activities canceled until Monday, March 9,2020

Posted on: March 5, 2020 - 11:37pm
This email is being sent to the mailing list for informational purposes as it represents an issue of potentially broad interest to the community.
 
 
March 5, 2020
 
Dear Hastings Families,
 
As we indicated in our message to you yesterday, this is an update to provide you with additional details about the current school closing and the most current information that we have about the COVID-19- Coronavirus. Naturally, we have received a number of questions and have arranged them in a FAQ to ensure that all are answered. 

 
Q1:    Why did you decide to close the schools for two days?
A:    Yesterday afternoon, a Principal learned from members of staff that a parent worked in a location that was closed due to a confirmed case of the COVID-19- Coronavirus in that location, and their children attend our schools. The Principal reached out to our nurses to inquire about medically fragile students and staff coming into contact with the virus if this was true. I asked the Principal to contact the New York State Health Department as they are the lead agency. They suggested contacting the parent which we then did. The parent confirmed the information that they worked in a location where a COVID-19- Coronavirus case was confirmed. At that point, the parent indicated that no directive was given by the school to self-quarantine. The parent had no direct contact with any individuals who tested positive for the coronavirus. However, later that day, the parent was instructed to self-quarantine until March 6, but no one else in the family was required to self-quarantine.

 
Later that day we also learned that at least one more person who works with some of our students also had contact with a few students from the same location. We have no other details to share at this time.  If we do, these details will be added to tomorrow’s update.

 
I was also consulting with the Board President and Vice President from the beginning. We determined that due to concerns about staff and students with underlying health conditions and anticipated reactions by staff who were fearful, closing the schools to be disinfected and sanitized was the responsible thing to do. 

 
Q2:    What is being disinfected and sanitized in the schools?
A:    Under the supervision of Joe Martorana, our Director of Facilities, we are using the Disinfection for the Non-Healthcare Settings guide provided by the New York State Department of Health. We are using bleach as a cleaning product, which has been recommended to mitigate COVID-19- Coronavirus contamination on surfaces and equipment. Our custodial team is in the process of disinfecting and sanitizing all surfaces and equipment including Chromebooks and desktop computers. 

 
Q3:    As of today, are there any cases among students, parents, and staff?
A:    The New York State Health Department is the only agency that would notify us if there was a known case of COVID-19- Coronavirus. To date, there are no cases among students, parents, and staff.

 
Q4:    Was other information available to guide the local Superintendents in how to address cases such as this one? 
A:    The New York State Department of Health provided guidance on March 3, 2020, for schools to determine under what conditions they should close. There are three types of school closures to consider in this situation. The selective school closure made the most sense yesterday given the information that we had to work with. 

 
  1. Selective school closures and dismissals are appropriate when there are periods of time where there is a lack of information. This measure is taken in an effort to take the time to gather information for the safety of the school. 
  2. Reactive school closures and dismissals occur when many students or staff are ill and there is not enough staff to ensure safety. This measure is unlikely to affect community virus transmission.
  3. Pre-emptive, coordinated closures and dismissals are used in cases of extreme pandemics. This is done to prevent many students and staff from becoming ill and all staff and students would stay at home. In case a school dismissal is used, staff would report but students would stay at home. Instruction would then be provided through distance learning. 

 
The local BOCES Superintendents serve as liaisons between the Districts and the New York State Department of Education. Based upon the information that I had provided to Dr. Harold Coles, our local BOCES Superintendent at Southern Westchester BOCES, he notified the Commissioner of Education about our decision to close. The Commissioner of Education, in turn, notified Governor Cuomo. Dr. Coles informed me last night that both the Commissioner of Education and Governor Cuomo agreed that we had done the right thing to close our schools. 

 
Q5:    What communication from the District has been provided to families about the COVID-19- Coronavirus?
A:    This letter will be the fourth document shared with families. Below are the links to the communications that have been shared to date with families about the COVID-19- Coronavirus:

 

 
Q6:    What role does the New York State Department of Health (NYSDoH) play in helping school Districts figure out when and when not to close schools?
A:    The New York State Health Department is the lead agency. The New York State Council of School Superintendents shared a presentation made by this agency which provided helpful guidance to the Superintendents about three types of closures listed in the response to question 4. Today, Superintendents participated in a conference call with the following people:

 
  • Dr. Elizabeth DuFort, New York State Department of Health, Division of Epidemiology 
  • Adrian Mezzo, New York State Department of Education
  • Dana Caratenuto, Governor’s Office, Deputy Secretary for Legislative Affairs and Policy for Governor Cuomo
  • Dan Fuller, Deputy Secretary for Education for Governor Cuomo
  • Mike Mastroianni, Governor Cuomo’s Office
 
These are the points that were shared with us by the team listed above:
 
  • There is currently no uniform guidance about when and how to determine that schools should close. The NYSDoH and the Governor’s Office agreed to work on a guidance document and make it available to the Superintendents as quickly as possible. 
  • The Governor is aware of the challenges of providing on-line instruction and the 900/990 instructional hour requirement for schools. It is on their radar and they know that both need to be addressed. 
  • The NYSDoH is not currently recommending avoidance of mass gatherings or local trips. This may change with time. 
  • The NYSDoH recommends school trips abroad to level 2 and 3 countries, defined by the CDC, be postponed. There are five countries on the list. However, this list could grow over time. The link is here.
  • When this phone call was made this morning at 10:30am, there were 13 confirmed cases in New York State and they were in New York City and Westchester.
  • If someone is tested for COVID-19- Coronavirus, the results take 6-8 hours after the sample is in the lab. The next step is confirmation which will be handled by the NYSDoH.
  • If there is a confirmed case in our district, the New York Health Department will quickly notify the district and work with us to determine the appropriate steps to take. 
  • If we are uncertain about a possible case, we should contact the NYSDoH.
  • Many of those currently quarantined came in contact with someone who had contact with a confirmed case. A contact of a contact is considered low risk.
  • Someone who lives in a home with someone who is being appropriately quarantined is not considered a contact and can still attend school. If the parent becomes a case, the NYSDoH will contact the district.
  • When a case is confirmed, disease detectives trace every minute of the person’s life to determine who they had contact with.
  • The NYSDoH monitors health care workers and they are monitored by their hospitals to determine whether quarantine is necessary. If a health worker is employed in a hospital that has treated a known case, the District does not need to be concerned about the health worker’s children who attend schools. Health care workers appropriately monitored by their employers are considered low risk. 
 
In addition, I spoke with Dan Fuller earlier today to review our decision to close.
 
Q7:    What other coordination with local officials took place in Hastings?
A:    The district worked closely with Mayor Armacost and we spoke with her yesterday and today. Her webpage, which is here, also provides information for the community. Chief David Dosin is also a great assistance to the district. I spoke with him yesterday and today. He will have officers near each school on Monday. We also had a conversation with the County Executive’s Office who offered suggestions on how to disinfect and sanitize our facilities.  A community leaders group made up of members of the clergy, community partners, local officials, and administrators, met yesterday for our quarterly meeting and our topic happened to be about how we should prepare to keep each other apprised of information that we share about COVID-19- Coronavirus. 

 
Q8:    Is it possible to restore events that were canceled on Saturday and Sunday?
A:    While the NYSDoH and the Governor’s Office see no reason to cancel these events, we have to keep the buildings closed this weekend because it takes a while to clean everything and allow the smell of bleach to dissipate.

 
Q9:    Will field trips and international trips be canceled?
A:    Based upon the information provided today by the NYSDoH and the Governor’s Office, the NYSDoH is not currently recommending avoidance of mass gatherings or local trips. This may change with time. We have postponed or canceled some events because of fear and uncertainty. The principals will assess field trips or travel to other states and make a determination after speaking to the NYSDoH.

 
Q10:    What hygiene practices should be followed?
A:    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates its website three times per week and the link is here. The New York Department of Health website link is here. The respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene advice from both agencies is the same and listed below.
  • 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 with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
 
Q11:    When should I call the school nurse?
A:    The nurses’ office is a very busy place. Whenever a child does not feel well at school, they should visit their school nurse to be checked.  Since the COVID-19- Coronavirus appeared, phone calls to their office have increased exponentially. If your child does not feel well, please keep them at home. 

 
Q12:    What should we expect on Monday morning and will there be news media near the schools? 
A:    We look forward to a peaceful return to our schools. Because the schools have been thoroughly disinfected and sanitized, there should be no concerns about returning to school. Chief David Dosin is also a great partner to the district and he will have officers near each school on Monday.

 
Q13:     Is a child who has been in a home with a self-quarantined person allowed to come to school?
A:    Yes. We can not restrict any child’s access to school because the parent was self-quarantined and the child was not. The New York State Department of Health monitors these situations. Responses to question 6 provide more details.

 
Q14:    How should parents speak to children about COVID-19- Coronavirus?
A:    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a number of helpful resources for families with children. The link is here and called Get Your Household Ready.  Another resource available to families is from the Child Mind Institute. The link is here. 
 
 
If you have any other questions or concerns, please share them with us. We will respond to them in tomorrow’s update.
 
I realize the challenges that any emergency closing poses for working families. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we try to manage this new threat to our health and well-being. 
 
Warm regards,
Valerie Henning-Piedmonte
Superintendent of Schools

COVID-19 UPDATE – FAQ HOTLINE NUMBER AND BEE-LINE BUSES

 
For general inquiries from regarding COVID-19, the County is asking Westchester residents to dial 211.
In light of recent COVID-19 developments, Westchester County is taking steps to ensure all Bee-Line buses are sanitized daily.
 
 
the latest fact sheet about the coronavirus from the Westchester County Department of Health is posted below. Most people who have contracted the virus have mild symptoms with full recovery. Call 211 --county hotline number or 866-588 0195 (state hotline).
 
 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Update March 4, 2020 
 
Am I likely to become infected with COVID-19? 
While there are known cases of COVID-19 in New York State, including Westchester County, the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 remains low. If widespread cases were to occur in our area, most people are likely to experience mild to moderate disease with full recovery. In addition to staying informed, you can reduce your risk of becoming infected by taking proper prevention measures similar to what is recommended to avoid the common cold and flu. 
 
What is a coronavirus? 
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause either mild illness, such as a cold, or can make people sick with pneumonia. 
 
What is a novel coronavirus? 
A novel coronavirus is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. Recently, a novel (new) coronavirus called COVID-19 was detected in thousands of people worldwide, primarily in China. Multiple cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the U.S. and it is expected that more cases of COVID-19 will be identified in the future. For the most recent case information, visit the CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Summary webpage. 
 
How is COVID-19 spread? 
Many of the initial patients with COVID-19 in China had links to a large seafood and live animal market, suggesting animal-toperson spread. However, cases being reported at this time have been occurring through person-to-person spread. The virus is thought to spread mainly: 
• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). 
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. 
 
What are the symptoms of COVID-19? 

The most common symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. 

What should I do if I (or someone I know) traveled to an area where COVID-19 is spreading? 
Anyone who has traveled to a CDC Level 3 destination (one that is experiencing widespread sustained transmission of COVID 19) should self-quarantine at home for 14 days following their return. For the most recent travel alerts, visit the CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel webpage. You should monitor your symptoms and call your health care provider if you feel sick with fever, cough, or have difficulty breathing. If you need to go to your doctor’s office or an emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. The same precautions should be taken if you have been in close contact with someone who has confirmed COVID-19. You should also avoid contact with others. 
 
Who can be tested for COVID-19? 
New York State is now able to perform testing for COVID-19. All testing performed on patients in Westchester County must be approved by the Westchester County Department of Health. The CDC has developed specific criteria for who can be tested for COVID-19. As the situation evolves, the criteria may change. For the most current testing criteria, visit the CDC Evaluating and Reporting Persons Under Investigation (PUI) webpage. 
 
Is there a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19? 
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. There is also no specific treatment for COVID-19 disease at this time. However, most people will recover on their own after resting and drinking plenty of fluids. To relieve symptoms, people with the virus can take pain and fever medication, use a room humidifier or take hot showers to help ease a sore throat and cough. 
 
What can I do to protect myself? 
You should go about your daily life, but take the same precautions that you would during cold and flu season: 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. 
  • Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue (not your hands), then throw the tissue in the trash. 
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 
  • Stay home when you are sick. 
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a cleaning product that contains bleach. 
Will wearing a surgical mask protect me from COVID-19? 
Surgical masks do not protect the person wearing the mask from infection with COVID-19. Surgical masks should only be worn by people showing symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of disease to others. In addition, N95 respirator masks are not recommended for the general public and should only be worn by health care workers who have been properly fitted for them. 
 
Should I travel during the COVID-19 outbreak? 
If you are planning to travel, visit the CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel webpage for the latest travel advisories related to COVID-19. 
 
Hotline Phone Numbers 
People under self-quarantine or exposure to known cases, call (866) 588-0195 NYS Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline (888) 364-3065 Westchester County COVID-19 Information Call 211 
 
Additional Resources 
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (CDC) Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) (WHO) Westchester County Department of Health Website at www.westchestergov.com/health