LA CROSSE, Wis., (March 4, 2020) – The School District of La Crosse values the health and well-being of our students, staff, and families. We work throughout the year to promote healthy schools and safety is our number one priority.
Novel Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, continues to circulate worldwide. As of March 4, 2020 there is only one confirmed case of Coronavirus in Wisconsin. There are zero cases in La Crosse County. The current risk to La Crosse area residents remains very low.
The School District of La Crosse takes routine steps to reduce the spread of illness in our schools. Our school nurses work closely with the La Crosse County Health Department while monitoring and tracking absence rates and analyzing the data across schools for trends. Our facilities staff completes targeted and more frequent cleaning and disinfecting of specific spaces in our schools with appropriate cleaning products. Our office staff work to engage parents and guardians to ensure students who are ill stay home and know how to get well.
While much attention has been paid to COVID-19, seasonal influenza (flu) and other respiratory viruses are common in Wisconsin at this time of year. We continue to encourage students, families, and staff to help reduce the transmission of illness by:
- Washing hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water.
- Covering mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
- Staying home from work when sick.
- If children are sick, keeping them home from school or daycare.
- Avoiding those who may be sick whenever possible.
- Contact a health care provider with any questions.
We also want to stress the importance of avoiding assumptions or stereotypes about who you think might be sick. The School District of La Crosse will not exclude people from activities based on their race, country of origin, or recent travel. If someone is supposed to be isolated, public health staff will make those arrangements with them.
The COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving and changing. We understand there is uncertainty involved in this situation. We will continue to update families and staff with new information or guidance as it is made available. We encourage you to contact a district nurse or the La Crosse County Health Department if you have additional questions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
National Coronavirus updates and travel guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
State of Wisconsin Coronavirus updates: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/covid-19.htm.
La Crosse County Health Department updates: facebook.com/lacrossecountyhealthdepartment.
World Health Organization (Helping children cope with stress during the COVID-19 outbreak): https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/helping-children-cope-with-stress-print.pdf?sfvrsn=f3a063ff_2