Novel Coronavirus School Statement
March 12, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Misinformation through social media is hyping hysteria about the Coronavirus or Covid-19. We know and understand your concerns and fears as we too have children and families. But misinformation is spreading more quickly than the virus. We want to assure you that at this time there are no outbreaks in the region however we are aware that could change at any time. It is very important to stay informed and listen to the advice of our public health officials such as the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As a school district, there is no reason to change anything about our current routines and if that should change we will immediately notify you.
What we do know is that Covid-19 is a respiratory illness, as is influenza, except that corona is more contagious. And while the CDC is working on a vaccine for it, you should take the same precautions as you would for the flu. Wash your hands regularly, cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or coughs, and when you are sick, stay home from work or school and drink lots of fluids. Not only should you do these things but teach your children to take the same precautions.
Since the earliest cases were reported, hoaxes, lies and junk science about the virus have swirled through social media. People are more click-susceptible during these events because there’s so much information floating around out there and people don’t know who to trust.
Stay informed through trustworthy sources like the DHSS and the CDC. The Nodaway-Holt School District Administration also works closely with the Missouri Department of Education and you can be assured that we will follow all suggested guidelines from the Department of Education and the Health Department. Above all, stay calm and we will get through this.
Yours in Education,
