Coronavirus Communication – March 11, 2020
Dear Hopkins School Community:
As you are probably aware, Governor Whitmer has declared a State of Emergency in Michigan with two confirmed cases of COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus. Please know we continue to have constant communication with the Allegan County Health Department who are in direct communication with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The following is the most recent information received from the Allegan County Health Department.
WHAT IS KNOWN
- The virus causing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new Coronavirus that has not been previously identified and causes a respiratory illness ranging from a mild cold-like illness to severe pneumonia.
- More than 80% of people diagnosed with COVID-19 in China had mild disease.
- Similar to influenza, the people who are most likely to have severe disease and complications from COVID-19 are older individuals (>60 years old) and those with other medical conditions like heart and lung disease or diabetes.
- There is no vaccine or treatment currently available for COVID-19.
- As of March 11, 2020, there are 2 presumptive positive COVID-19 cases in Michigan. At this time cases are in Wayne and Oakland Counties.
- As of March 11, 2020, there is NO confirmed community spread of COVID-19 in Allegan County, but experts predict there will eventually be community spread.
HOW THE VIRUS SPREADS
- COVID-19 is believed to spread primarily the same way the common cold or flu spreads—through respiratory droplets that are produced when someone coughs or sneezes.
- People who are most at risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 are those who have been in close contact (within about 6 feet) with someone who has the disease.
- People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
- Some spread of the virus might be possible before a person has symptoms, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
TIPS TO STAY HEALTHY
- Stay home if you are sick, and advise others to do the same.
- Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and warm water are not available.
Our middle school counselor, Mr. Crook, has provided some resources for students, parents and teachers on his website that you may find helpful.
https://hmsvikingscounseling.weebly.com/coronavirus-concerns.html
Hopkins Public Schools will continue to make decisions based upon facts and recommendations from our local, state and national health experts. Our custodial staff continues to do an excellent job of making sure our buildings are cleaned and disinfected on a daily basis.
We will continue to monitor and adapt to this evolving situation and keep you updated as we receive new information or guidance. The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and family are of utmost importance.
Yours in Education,
Gary Wood
Hopkins Public Schools Superintendent
Attached Files
Coronavirus Communication 03/11/20 PDF
Published: March 11, 2020