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District addresses Coronavirus

 As global attention continues to rise regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), Walla Walla Public Schools wanted to share its preparedness, prevention and information plans with students, staff, and families. Although the Washington State Department of Health confirms that there is no evidence that COVID-19 is spreading in Washington at this time, and that the immediate risk to the general public in Washington and the United States is considered to be low, the district believes that proactive communication and community education is warranted.

The Department of Health advises school districts to take the same preventative measures it normally would to prevent the spread of viruses during the regular cold and flu season. Common preventative measures recommended for students include:

  • Staying home when they are sick and/or running a fever.
  • Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after they blow their nose. If hands are visibly dirty, use soap and water to clean hands.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Advising persons to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Covering coughs or sneezes with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash and cleaning hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer (if soap and water are not readily available).
  • Urging students and staff to get a flu shot during the flu season.
  • Providing adequate supplies for good hygiene, including clean and functional handwashing stations, soap, paper towels, and alcoholbased hand sanitizer.

In addition, the district’s custodial and maintenance programs continue to emphasize and implement best practices cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing methods.

District officials convened with Walla Walla County Health Officials this week to review safety response plans should COVID-19 arise locally. If this were to occur, the district’s emergency response plan includes following the direction and guidance of local and state health officials and will immediately communicate our response plan with parents and the greater community. Needless to say, we are blessed to have an outstanding county health department and local health partners who are well poised and prepared should COVID-19 cases be detected in our region.

More information about COVID-19 can be accessed at the links below, by calling the Washington State Department of Health at 1-800-525-0127, or our local Walla Walla Department of Community Health at 509-524-2650.

Washington State Department of Health  

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

WALLA WALLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS • 364 South Park St. • Walla Walla, WA 99362 • Phone: 509-527-3000 • Fax: 509.529.7713

Vector Solutions - Vector Alert Safe Schools Tip Line: 855.976.8772  |  Online Tip Reporting System