Team Chesterfield families and staff,
We continue to monitor local, regional and national updates related to COVID-19, and continue to work on response plans that are preventative and reactive in nature. While we hope that the disease does not reach our community, we want to be prepared.
We have implemented an aggressive cleaning schedule in schools, and are making plans to continue the teaching-and-learning process in the event that a school closure is necessary. Resources will be provided to schools later this week.
As this health concern evolves, Chesterfield County Public Schools will continue to work with the county government’s Risk Management team and the Chesterfield Health District to look at proactive measures to keep students and staff members safe. Here are some important updates:
School/school division trips canceled through April 13
Effective March 11, all school- and school division-supported trips (field trips, athletic trips, etc.) outside of Virginia are canceled through April 13. This includes trips to Washington, D.C. We continue to monitor areas in Northern Virginia, and will adapt travel as recommended or as necessary.
Staff travel to meetings, conferences, etc., is included in this cancelation.
Travel abroad and Spring Break
With Spring Break near, it is important for families to become familiar with guidance and travel warnings posted on the Centers for Disease Control website. If you are traveling to a country with a Level 3 Travel Health Notice, the CDC guidance states: “Travelers should stay home for 14 days after returning to the United States and practice social distancing.”
Currently these countries are identified as Level 3: China, Iran, Italy and South Korea. We are asking that any families traveling to these countries adhere to the CDC guidance. School principals can assist with getting work to students who are self-quarantined.
Keep your child home when sick
If your child has symptoms of illness that would prevent participation at school, then please keep your child at home and call the school to report that your child is sick. Returning to school too soon may delay recovery from illness and may potentially expose others.
Resources
The CDC has a comprehensive website updated throughout the day with the latest news: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. This site includes a tab for visitors to monitor travel updates.
The Virginia Department of Health has a comprehensive website that provides guidance and an updated look at case numbers: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/novel-coronavirus/.