Dear El Colegio Families,
I am writing to update you on our plans to prepare for a possible outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019, or COVID-19. We are writing to assure you that at El Colegio we are reviewing emergency management plans to prepare for the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
As of March 11th, 2020 the Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed 5 people tested positive in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Health and the U.S.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are closely monitoring the situation and regularly providing guidance. We are working closely with the state and local agencies to stay up-to-date on the best ways to keep students and staff safe. We will continue to update our plans and provide you with more information as it becomes available. If you have questions about infectious diseases, call the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-5414.
Even though COVID-19 has not been identified in our community here at El Colegio, here are a few things we are doing here at El Colegio as precautionary measures and to promote healthy habits to reduce illness and absence across the board.:
- Everyone should actively promote regular hand washing and covering coughs. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- We have provided hand sanitizers and clorox wipes for each regularly occupied room.
- We will have Endust electronic wipes available for everyone’s computers and all of the Chromebooks. We will also do a weekly cleaning of the Chromebooks.
- Our cleaning company has been contracted to do additional cleaning of high contact areas like door handles, sink handles and water fountains.
- We have cancelled the senior trip to Chicago, IL. They will stay in Minnesota and plan to do fun activities during the week of interim.
- Any students that experience any kind of symptoms: fever, body aches, nausea, sore throat are and will continue to be sent home.
Families, students and staff:
- Stay home when you are sick and keep your child home if they are sick. Be sure to report absences to your school, including symptoms experienced.
- Uncertainty and nonstop coverage of COVID-19 can be overwhelming. We do not want staff or students to be in a state of fear but rather be informed with the facts, and continue daily routines as normal unless otherwise informed.
- Avoid creating situations that may stigmatize staff or students. For more information on the stigmatization of COVID-19, check out our website for links.
- Contact your health care provider if you or your child are sick or if you have concerns
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water.
- If you need any resources please call us at El Colegio, 612-728-5728, and we can provide support.
For the latest information on COVID-19, visit the MDH web site.
Again, we should not react to this in panic, but rather take this as an opportunity to practice cleanliness and healthy habits. Again, we are working closely with the state and local agencies to stay up-to-date on the best ways to keep students and staff safe. We will continue to update our plans and provide you with more information as it becomes available.
En comunidad,
Katie Groh de Aviña
Executive Director