Dear Parents,
The safety, health and well-being of our students and staff is our priority. We appreciate that parents and caregivers may have questions about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how this will be managed in schools. While as of this date there are no known cases of COVID-19 in Renfrew County, the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board is actively communicating with the Renfrew County and District Health Unit, taking guidance on health matters from health authorities and reviewing carefully recommendations from the Government of Canada at Public Health Guidance for Schools (K-12) and Childcare Programs (COVID-19).
In addition to our regular cleaning of school and child-care sites, we are putting in place additional cleaning measures to protect student and staff well-being. As well, we have ordered additional cleaning supplies as well as ensuring extra supplies of hand soap and paper towels.
Please continue to use safe hygiene procedures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness including:
• Clean your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then clean your hands.
• If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve and then clean your hands.
• If you are ill, stay home.
• Get a flu shot. (You can schedule a flu immunization by calling 613-735-8666).
Concern over this new virus can make children and families anxious. Children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events and need factual, age-appropriate information. Teaching children positive preventive measures, talking with them about their fears, and giving them a sense of some control over their risk of infection can help reduce anxiety. We are providing resources to your school to help in this regard.
Families and staff who are travelling abroad for personal travel on the March Break are encouraged to regularly monitor Government of Canada Travel Advisories at PHAC Travel Advice. Please follow the advice from the Ontario Ministry of Health on how to protect yourself, what to do if you’re sick after you travel and how to recognize possible symptoms. Additionally, you can contact the Renfrew County and District Health Unit at 613-735-8651 ext. 555 should you have any questions.
It will take a collective effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19. We remain committed to monitoring this situation and keeping you informed. The situation is evolving rapidly and we will update you as circumstances dictate.
