From Dr Burns:
Dear Decatur County Community Schools Families,
We want to share what DCCS is doing in preparation for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). As of today there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Decatur County. Please know that DCCS is working very closely with the Decatur County Health Department and Emergency Management. We are still in the process of gathering as much information as possible with this extremely fluid situation. DCCS will update all individuals early next week about what school will look like when we return from spring break.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Symptoms
COVID-19 is a virus that causes respiratory illness. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many species of animals. The symptoms of COVID-19 appear to be similar to the seasonal influenza. These symptoms can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear 2-1 days after
exposure and may be mild to severe, just like influenza.
How COVID-19 Spreads
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person
• 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.
Precautionary Measures
Good hygiene practices are the best way to prevent the spread of any kind of illness:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You may also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw away after you use it.
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, rather than your hands, if a tissue is not available.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If students have a fever of 100 or higher. they shouldn’t return to school until they are 24 hours fever free.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• If you develop flu-like symptoms, call your healthcare provider to detem1ine next steps for care.
Additional Information
More information about the COVID-19 virus is available online at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV
Thank you for entrusting us with the care of your students. We appreciate your partnership in keeping our students and staff safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jarrod Burns
Superintendent
Decatur County Community Schools 