Concern is rising among the public about The Coronavirus or COVID-19. Marshall Public Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Carol Maher issued a news release about what the district is doing, considering the possibility of it spreading to the state of Missouri.
Her release says:
“The overall mission of MPS is to provide a safe and healthy environment where students can learn and grow. There can be many barriers to that mission, including the threat of the new illness- The Coronavirus. MPS administrators and board members have been discussing the rapid rise in cases, and now even in our neighboring state of Illinois. We feel it is only a matter of time until the virus affects Missouri residents.
For that reason, MPS administrators have reached out to several local agencies and some have reached out to us. A component of our district’s safety plan addresses how to respond to health crises, and we will be reviewing it and, in case one or more of the several scenarios occur in Marshall, we will modify or add to the plan.
Meanwhile at MPS, we are continuing to be vigilant in encouraging good health practices for all students, with special emphasis on elementary training; encouraging ill students and staff to stay home; and continually disinfecting common objects. We ask that you please talk to and encourage good personal hygiene habits with your student(s).”
Dr. Maher says the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has received a number of questions from local school districts, as well as the media, about COVID-19. Approximately 60 people in Missouri have been evaluated for this virus, but no cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed to date.
DESE is in communication with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to keep districts informed. DHSS continues to prepare, as it has daily since late January, for any/all outcomes related to COVID-19.
Additionally, Dr. Maher says: “Grace Durham had done an excellent job gathering the most current and accurate information, and she is visiting schools today to touch base. I appreciate the work it took to make that available to the public. Bryanna Norman is so helpful and the central office depends on her immensely. This information is now on our website. Dr. T (Assistant Superintendent Terry Lorenz) and Mike Varner have also stepped in and have already initiated measures to protect the district’s good health.
The most impactful things we can all do, and teach our students, is to wash hands frequently/thoroughly  and to stay home when you (or your children) are sick.  Thanks for all the awesome work you do and for taking care of Marshall kids!”
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has provided general information about preventing the spread of illness. The division also has addressed The Coronavirus on a fact sheet that can be found at www.health.mo.gov/coronavirus.
DHSS recommends the same preventative measures for COVID-19 as it does to reduce the spread of the flu:
-Wash hands often with soap and water several times a day for at least 20 seconds.
-If available, use a hand sanitizer.
-Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
-Avoid contact with people who are sick.
-Stay at home when you’re sick; and avoid contact with others.
-Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.