Although the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is estimating there have been at least 22 million seasonal influenza illnesses, 210,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 deaths from flu already this year, you have likely heard more about the Coronavirus that began in China. We understand that the Novel Coronavirus, now known as COVID-19, is causing much anxiety in our community, country, and the world. Please note that as of today, there are no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in the Andrew County area and only 1 in the State of Missouri.
It’s important to know that Savannah R3 has taken several steps over the last few weeks to reduce the risks of illness for students and staff, as we do every flu season:
The SR3 custodial staff routinely clean and disinfect all hard surfaces, including desks, doorknobs, computers, tables, and other equipment used daily by students and staff.
The district has received special cleaning supplies from Hillyard Inc. that have been tested to fight against the Coronavirus.
Special care and extra attention will also be given to these cleaning efforts over Spring Break to provide the cleanest environment possible.
Lunch tables and cafeteria spaces are cleaned between every meal service.
Durham Transportation is disinfecting every bus at the end of every route. Special care is taken when a bus has been infected.
Our nurses are sending home any staff or student demonstrating flu-like symptoms, or with a fever.
Teachers are reminding students to cover their mouths with their arm or tissues when sneezing or coughing and frequent handwashing.
While SR3 is taking these steps to reduce the risks of spreading illness, we need your help too! Help reduce the risk in our schools by:
Keeping children home when they are sick.
o Muscle aches and chills
o Headache
o Sore throat
o Extreme tiredness
o Diarrhea and/or vomiting
If you, your child, or members of your household show symptoms of the flu, consider bringing your child to a doctor’s office within 24-48 hours of becoming ill.
Minimize contact with others who are ill.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially when someone is ill.
Frequent handwashing with soap and water.
Remind children to avoid touching their mouths and nose since that is how germs get into the body.
Be mindful of travel plans over Spring Break.
Because most people with COVID-19 have mild cases, the likelihood that Savannah R3 will close schools is very low, but not zero. In the highly unlikely chance that your child’s school is shut down due to a COVID-19 outbreak, it is important for parents/guardians to have a plan for who could take care of your child(ren).
Savannah R3 District Administration and the Andrew County Health Department are working day and night to monitor this evolving situation and will continue to provide new information to the community as things change. More information can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus or health.mo.gov
Sincerely,
Dr. Eric Kurre
Superintendent
Savannah R3 School District
About us
Email: Communications@savannahr3.com
Website: www.savannahr3.com
Location: 408 West Market Street, Savannah, MO, USA
Phone: 816-324-3144
Facebook: facebook.com/SavannahSchoolDistrict
Twitter: @Savannah_R3
