{"id":344787,"date":"2020-03-05T09:33:35","date_gmt":"2020-03-05T14:33:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mlwgs.com\/?p=344787"},"modified":"2020-03-05T09:33:35","modified_gmt":"2020-03-05T14:33:35","slug":"mlwgs-and-the-covid-19-virus-health-and-safety-preparations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mlwgs.com\/mlwgs-and-the-covid-19-virus-health-and-safety-preparations\/","title":{"rendered":"MLWGS and the COVID-19 virus health and safety preparations"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"MW<\/a><\/p>\n

Dear MLWGS families and staff,<\/p>\n

Maintaining a safe, supportive and nurturing learning environment remains a top priority for the Maggie Walker Governor\u2019s School. School leaders are collaborating with and continuing to look for guidance from the Richmond Health District and the Virginia Department of Health regarding the latest national and international news regarding a new virus known as COVID-19.<\/p>\n

COVID-19, a type of coronavirus as it is more commonly known, appears to have originated in China. Aided by international travel, there are reported cases and outbreaks in other countries. As of the writing of this letter, there are no known confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Richmond or in Virginia.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Last month, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a \u201cpublic health emergency of international concern.\u201d Staff members and families seeking general information about the coronavirus can visit the VDH<\/a> and CDC<\/a> websites for the most current information.<\/p>\n

In addition to working with local and state health leaders, school leaders are revisiting previous pandemic flu plans to see how they can be adapted to address any concerns regarding the coronavirus. The school will monitor scheduled summer trips overseas and domestic travel in the United States as necessary.<\/p>\n

The school also continues to promote and implement strategies to reduce disease transmission while students are at school. Our custodial team pays daily attention to common touchpoints, works to see that soap and paper towel dispensers are stocked, and communicates regularly with vendors to make sure they are adhering to proper disinfection protocols.<\/p>\n

The symptoms associated with COVID-19 are similar to the common flu \u2013 fever, cough, shortness of breath and other breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, COVID-19 can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. As with any cold or flu, it is important for everyone to follow these self-care habits to reduce the chance of infection:<\/p>\n