FAQ ABOUT COVID-19

GENERAL INFORMATION

What is Coronavirus (COVID19)?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 originated in Wuhan, Hubel Province China. It is being closely monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Are there any confirmed cases of COVID 19 in Bandon?

Bandon currently has no confirmed cases of COVID-19. However, acting out of an abundance of caution, the district is diligently following Governor Kate Brown's "Stay Home, Save Lives" orders. As such, all employees that are reasonably able to work from home have been released to do so, we have increased our custodial/sanitation protocols, we have a rotation schedule for building access to limit contact, we strictly enforce the social distancing guidelines, and we are in regular communication with community, regional, and state agencies to be up to date with the latest protocols and expectations.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

How is the virus spread? Is there a vaccine?

COVID-19 is spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet) through coughing and sneezing. The virus also may be transmitted by touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. This information is updating regularly as our country's medical and epidemiological experts are learning more about this virus.

What can I do to prevent the spread of the virus?

• Wash hands with soap and water frequently for at least 20 seconds

• Use alcohol-based sanitizers when soap and water are not available

• Use disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing, and dispose of them carefully and promptly

• If tissues are not available, direct your cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm/sleeve

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

• Clean and disinfect “high-touch” objects and surfaces

• Stay home when you are sick, and remain home until you have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication

• Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms

• Maintain healthy habits that support your immune system

How long will Bandon School District be closed due to COVID19?

We are committed to keeping you updated and providing you with information as soon as we have it. Please know that the health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority and all decisions are being made with that in mind. We are continuing to closely monitor the situation and staying in contact with city, state, and national health and education officials. As of now, school buildings are closed through the end of the 2019-20 school year per the Governor's orders on April 8, 2020.

How are we keeping schools clean?

BSD #54 is enhancing standard procedures for cleaning and disinfection of schools, as well encouraging staff to work from home whenever possible. We have a rotation schedule for access to the buildings and our custodial crew is cleaning any room/work space that has been visited each day. In addition to routine cleaning, custodial crews are regularly disinfecting tables, chairs, desks, cabinets, door handles, restrooms, sinks, water fountains, and other frequently touched areas, as suggested by local and state health officials and the CDC. We are using guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) regarding approved sanitizers to use for COVID-19.

What will the district do if someone at a school or office is diagnosed with COVID19?

If symptoms of fever or respiratory illness are present in a staff member, that person will be sent home immediately to quarantine for 14 days. They will be directed to follow up with medical professionals prior to returning to work. Where necessary, cleaning and disinfection will take place in accordance with Dept of Environmental Health Services Standard Operating Procedures. All staff and community members that have been in contact with the ill staff member will be notified to encourage quarantine and monitoring of symptoms.