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Superintendent Geoff Yantz said on Wednesday no individuals within South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) have tested positive for COVID-19 as the World Health Organization officially declared that Coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.
In a message to the SPUSD community, Yantz said health officials in California are recommending that schools move from virus containment procedures to a mitigation approach.
While there are no coronavirus cases in the local school district, the superintendent said two or more community transmission cases in Los Angeles County have been reported.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has released new information and Yantz said the school district will now take the following proactive steps to ensure the safety of its students and staff.
Social Distancing Measures
SPUSD is postponing or canceling all public events that bring large groups of students, adults, and community members together.
“Alternate approaches to these events, which limit close contact, may include conducting assemblies via intercom announcements or conducting events online,” wrote Yantz in his correspondence
- SPUSD is restricting visitors to schools, including volunteers.
- Parent conferences will be conducted by phone or another method as determined by your child’s teacher.
- SPUSD is postponing or canceling all District-sponsored, out-of-state travel schedule through the last day of school, June 3, 2020.
- SPUSD is postponing or canceling all school field trips scheduled through May 1, 2020, with the exception of Outdoor Science School for Arroyo Vista and Marengo Elementary Schools. SPUSD, in conjunction with LA County Department of Public Health and the LA County Office of Education, will determine if these trips will be permitted.
- SPUSD athletics will continue to be evaluated in consultation with LA County Department of Public Health, CIF, and league officials.
- SPUSD will work with community organizations that use its facilities after hours to determine if these events will proceed.
School sites will provide parents with more information about scheduled events in the next few days.
“Please continue to take all possible precautions to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others,” said Yantz
As a reminder, he passed along the following are the tips:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- 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.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).
- Get a flu shot to prevent influenza if you have not done so this season.
“We are committed to keeping our families safe and updated about changes as we navigate this uncertain period of time, and we continue to work with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to help prevent or contain COVID-19,” wrote Yantz. “We appreciate your support.”
