Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Doug Collins

Coronavirus

School District 73 provides guidelines for measures regarding coronavirus

Jan 31, 2020 | 7:12 AM

KAMLOOPS — School District 73 has sent home a letter to all parents talking about the coronavirus.

The letter says the threat in the District is low, but parents and staff should practice good health habits to reduce the risk.

The District says they will take direction from Interior Health regarding any policies that may need to be put in place.

The letter goes on to say that often young children become impacted emotionally when these events become big news, and there will be support and counselling as needed.

The District advises everyone to wash their hands frequently, cover their mouths and avoid touching their face and mouth which could spread the virus.

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Here is the complete text of the newsletter:

Dear Parents As you may be aware, the first cases of the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in B.C. At this time the risk for students and schools remains low.

SD73 will continue to monitor this situation and will take direction from the Interior Health Authority’s school medical officer in responding to public health concerns.

All necessary precautions are being taken in your school to prevent the spread of infection. SD73 is undertaking additional cleaning measures as a precaution to assist in limiting the spread of colds, flu, and other infections.

As well, staff will be working with students to discuss good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of illness.

Misinformation regarding coronavirus is starting to circulate on social media. We encourage students, staff and their families to refer to official sources. In B.C., the latest official updates are located on the BC Centre for Disease Control website.

You can also continue to check our website for updates. As well, a new toll-free phone number (1-833-784-4397) has been established to answer questions from Canadians about the 2019 novel coronavirus.

Service is available from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST until January 29 and from 7 a.m. to midnight EST starting January 30.

Increased media coverage of the coronavirus situation may cause some children or youth to be concerned about this situation and they may be directly or indirectly impacted.

Children or youth may experience varied reactions to this type of situation, including trouble sleeping, concentrating or listening.

They may become more irritable, sad, angry, or worried as they think about what is happening around the globe.

To ensure the emotional well-being of our children or youth in this concerning situation, supports and counselling will be available to students as needed.

Please contact your school principal to arrange for this.

To support your children at home during a concerning situation, listen and pay attention to what they say and how they act. Remember that they may also show their feelings in nonverbal ways.

Listen, observe, and note any changes in behavior.

Even though this situation is low-risk to students, staff, and families at this time, everyone is being advised to follow the hygienic practices as they would in cold and flu season:

• Wash one’s hands frequently for at least 20 seconds using soap and hot water (it is the single most effective way of reducing the spread of infection).
• Practice other good hygiene habits: do not touch one’s face/eyes/mouth with one’s hands and cover one’s mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing (ideally with a disposable tissue or the crease of the elbow).
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched workspace surfaces.
• Maintain good general health (eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, exercise in moderation).
• Stay home if sick.

Please reach out to your school’s principal if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely,

Alison Sidow
Superintendent
School District No. 73 (Kamloops-Thompson)