For Community:
The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to be a concern among our families and staff. We continue to monitor the situation with close cooperation among health professionals, Riverside University Health System-Public Health (RUHS-PH), the Riverside County Office of Education and the California Department of Education. This is an understandably anxious time, and we appreciate how our families and staff are working together to keep our community safe.
The Coronavirus continues to be a very fluid situation. We understand many of you have questions, and we will continue to address as many as possible in our updates to families.
At this time, Riverside County officials have reported eight (8) novel coronavirus cases, including five (5) in the Coachella Valley. Please visit rivcoph.org/coronavirus for the most up-to-date information. The source of three cases has not been determined, so those cases are considered to be locally acquired.
Following are frequently asked questions (FAQs), including answers to calls we’ve received this week regarding our COVID-19 response and actions we must take.
Q: What should I do if I suspect a student or staff member has COVID-19 and is at school?
A: Ask the student or staff member to go to the Health Office for a health check. The Health Office will follow the approved COVID-19 Health Protocol. If the individual has COVID-19, then the County Public Health Office will contact MUSD and provide official guidance.
Q: What if an ill student or staff member attended school prior to being confirmed as a COVID-19 case?
A: In all cases, MUSD will work with the local health department and other relevant leadership to respond to and communicate regarding a possible COVID-19 exposure. Local health officials may recommend temporary school dismissals depending on the circumstances of the particular case.
Q: Who will make the decision to close schools?
A: Recommended or ordered school closures will be made at the direction of the County Public Health Officer following discussions with local school districts and Public Health authorities.
Q: If, in a worst-case scenario, a school gets shut down, what “distance learning” protocols are being considered?
A: In the event of an extended school closing, the district may implement a “School Closing - Home Learning” model for all grade levels. Our Educational Services team is developing materials and access that will best meet the needs of all staff, students, and families.
Q: Are there any plans to alter or cancel travel, field trips, school dances, due to concerns?
A: Yes. The guidance to parents, teachers and staff is to practice community social distancing measures which may include cancelling group activities or events, and indoor special events when the following three conditions are met: 1) Large numbers of people gathered; 2) Indeterminate health and identity of attendees gathered; and 3) Gatherings with attendees in close proximity within confined spaces. Please check communications from your school site for a list of events and activities that have already been cancelled or postponed.
Q: Are additional sanitization procedures taking place at sites and in classrooms?
A: Yes, custodial leads and operations staff have reviewed enhanced cleaning procedures as recommended by the CDC school guidance on dealing with COVID-19. They are adhering to all District procedures. Some of these procedures include actions such as refilling soap dispensers throughout the day. Additionally, we have increased custodial support by 4.5 hours per day at each site to disinfect desks, door knobs and other frequently touched surfaces. Nutrition Services staff have increased the sanitization measures for sinks, surfaces and utensils. Transportation Services staff have increased the sanitization measures in the bus between school stops.
Q: Are alcohol-based hand sanitizers allowed in MUSD schools?
A: Yes. For more details from the California Department of Education please click here.
Q: Does the District have an emergency response plan specifically for pandemics?
A: Yes. As part of our Safe Schools Planning efforts, there is a Pandemic Planning Guide. Administrative staff is currently reviewing those guidelines and updating as needed. It is important to note, specific pandemic response activities will be highly dependent on emerging data and direction provided by health authorities. As with any emergency plan, this is a living document and will be subject to updates as this pandemic develops.
Q: How are student absences being handled?
A: Based on the current pandemic declared by the World Health Organization (WHO), the district honors your parent rights and authority related to absences. We respect the decisions you may be forced to make regarding the health of your child and the community. All absences due to illnesses are excused with parent confirmation, per California Education Code outlined in our District Board Policies and Parent/Student Handbooks.
Q. How do school sites handle requests for Independent Study (IS) related to novel coronavirus fears?
A: The district reviews all independent study options on a case by case basis. Schools and staff will work with families who have underlying medical conditions that may increase the risk of serious COVID-19 for individuals of any age.
Q. Are teachers able to attend professional development?
A: Some professional development opportunities are available via video conferencing services. At this time, we are monitoring each professional development event and are making decisions based on the particulars of each training event.
Q. How can I talk with my children about COVID-19?
A: We are aware that concern over this new virus can make children and families anxious. Therefore, we have provided a link for you, “How to Talk to Children about COVID-19,” a resource from the National Association of School Psychologists.
(This message was distributed to the Menifee USD community on letterhead and social media on March 12, 2020)
