Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is continuously reviewing and updating emergency preparedness plans in response to emerging updates and information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Marion County Public Health Department regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19). IPS will continue to interact with local and state health officials to obtain developing information to guide measures to protect our IPS community. The latest information from the CDC indicates: This virus is not currently spreading in the community in the United States and risk to the general public is low. If that risk increases, IPS will update families regarding the measures which will be enacted to protect our students and their families.
It is important for families to understand how to protect themselves. This link will take you the CDC website (Prevention for 2019 Novel Coronavirus).
The CDC recommends reducing your risk of becoming ill from this and other respiratory illness:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick – fever free for 24 hours without use of medication.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
As IPS continues to monitor the situation, families need to be vigilant regarding reducing transmission of illnesses in general:
- Look for signs of any illness in your student.
- Keep ill children home until fever free for 24 hours.
- Pick up children that become ill or develop a fever at school.
- Seek medical guidance from your Primary Care Provider as needed.
For questions, staff or families may contact Linda Tucker, RN, MSN, IPS Health Services Specialist at 317-226-4000.