District news
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
We have received questions from students, families and staff regarding the Coronavirus, also called COVID-19.
What is it?
• A new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, China
• It has the potential to cause severe illness and pneumonia in some people
How is it spread?
• Through the air by coughing and sneezing
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes
Who is at risk?
• Travelers to and from certain areas are at increased risk as are the close contacts of those who are ill
• Current risk to the general public in our area is LOW. There is no evidence that COVID-19 is spreading in Washington state at this time.
What are the symptoms?
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath
How is it prevented?
Similar to prevention of other respiratory illnesses, including the flu:
• Wash hands often
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid contact with sick people
• Stay home while you are sick; avoid others
• Cover mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing
COVID-19 is not at all connected with race, ethnicity or nationality.
Please know that although COVID-19 started in China, having Chinese ancestry – or any other ancestry – does not place a person at higher risk for this illness. You can help keep our schools safe for everyone by sharing accurate information with your children and fellow community members. Arlington Public Schools is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, parents/legal guardians, volunteers, and community members that is free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
What is Arlington Public Schools doing about COVID-19?
Arlington Public Schools receives direction from the Snohomish County Department of Health. At this time, the Department of Health is not recommending schools to take any special precautions beyond what is normally recommended to prevent the spread of viruses in schools.
Similar to prevention of other respiratory illnesses, including the flu, individuals should:
• Stay home when sick.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing their nose. Help young children do the same. If hands are visibly dirty, use soap and water to clean hands.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and clean hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer (if soap and water are not readily available).
• Consider getting a flu shot.
Our school custodial staff members work extremely hard to clean and disinfect our schools. One of the district’s goals is to provide a safe and healthy environment for all our students and staff.
Additional information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19):
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus
Please contact your family’s physician if you have further questions.