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Area School Officials Seriously Monitoring Coronavirus

Dr. Bret Apthorpe

Local school officials said they are taking coronavirus warnings seriously, but precautionary measures are similar to how districts have handled other transmittable diseases.

“We’re taking it serious because I think it is a serious situation much like we look at the flu or any other virus or transmittable disease out there,” said Stephen Penhollow, Falconer Central School District superintendent, regarding COVID-19, or commonly referred to as coronavirus.

Penhollow added that keeping school officials, students, parents and the community informed and aware is the key to keeping people healthy.

Health officials recently confirmed the first case of coronavirus in New York state. Across the U.S., there have been 96 cases and six deaths — all occurring in Washington State — as a result of the virus.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo released a statement regarding the state’s response. The first case in the state is reportedly a woman in her late 30s who had traveled abroad to Iran where there is an outbreak of the virus. The condition of the woman, who is isolated in her home in Manhattan, is described as mild.

Cuomo, in his release Monday, noted that state health officials had been preparing for the virus to inevitably be found in the state.

“It’s important that we don’t allow fear and panic to outpace reason,” Cuomo said.

The governor noted in his comments that an impending cleaning protocol will be instituted at schools and in public transportation.

“Obviously, the flu has been far more deadly in New York state and throughout the United States this year, but at the same time this is something we’re very concerned about,” Penhollow said.

Penhollow said there are no current planned trips outside of the country, but noted that trips for sporting events are being monitored. Additionally, he said that, unrelated to school events, students and staff members vacation and travel on their own.

“You never know where you’re susceptible,” he said, offering advice to those who do plan to travel. “Make sure you wash your hands. Be conscious of the people you’re traveling with and around.”

He said district safety and health teams will be continually updated as the district receives more information.

Area school districts receive weekly updates from the New York State Department of Health which advise officials on how to prevent the spreading of diseases, which is not limited to COVID-19.

“I don’t think it’s going to enhance our protocols,” Penhollow said. “The biggest thing is washing our hands.”

Many of the state health recommendations include frequently washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoiding touching eyes; nose and mouth with unwashed hands; avoiding close contact with sick people; staying home when ill; covering coughs or sneezes with a tissue; cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces that are frequently touched.

A coronavirus hotline organized by the Department of Health can be reached at 1-888-364-3065.

Dr. Bret Apthorpe, Jamestown Public Schools superintendent, noted that while there are no confirmed cases in Chautauqua County, school officials were also taking the matter seriously.

“Jamestown Public Schools is reviewing our existing infectious disease protocols and making any necessary revisions to respond to potential COVID-19 scenarios,” Apthorpe said. “The district takes the health and safety of our children and staff very seriously and will continue to share information and resources as they become available. Our staff remind students everyday about practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, as an important method for preventing the spread of any contagious illness.”

Apthorpe, like Penhollow, said school officials were following the guidance of state and federal agencies regarding the virus. Recommendations from Chautauqua County Department of Health & Human Services, the state Department of Health and the National Centers for Disease Control are going to be followed in Jamestown, he added.

“As a community, we must work together for the safety and well being of all of us,” Apthorpe said.

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