LHU, KCSD Map Plans for Dealing with Coronavirus
LOCK HAVEN – Lock Haven University is planning to announce on Wednesday that it will be suspending its normal classroom setting when the local university’s current spring break ends Mar. 16. Instead the school plans to go to online lesson delivery from Mar. 23 through April 3; students asked not to return to campus.
School President Robert Pignatello earlier Wednesday alerted local leaders about the impending announcement. He said while there have been no reported cases of the virus on campus, “We have been closely monitoring its spread and are taking very possible precaution to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors to our campus.”
Meanwhile the Keystone Central School District will remain open, per this Wednesday statement from Superintendent Jacquelyn Martin:
March 11, 2020
Dear KCSD Families and Community,
Messages/information about the COVID-19 virus continues to be widely reported by the media. The matter is certainly complex and none of us can accurately predict the likely duration and full impact of the virus. We are monitoring the Coronavirus situation closely and are making the necessary preparations in case the COVID-19 becomes more prevalent in our community.
Numerous efforts to prevent or decrease the spread of the virus continue to be taken in all of our schools. Our nursing staff will continue to observe and monitor the health status of all students. Nurses have been instructed to remain diligent in terms of sending students home who show signs of illness in addition to communicating with families. Custodial staff in every building will also continue to ensure facilities are clean and all frequently touched surfaces are sanitized on a daily basis.
While several colleges, universities, or private schools in our area may develop alternative plans for learning, we will remain open at this time. It is possible that we may need to close schools temporarily if it appears the coronavirus has affected our community in a significant way. Pedro Rivera, the Secretary of Education, has advised school districts that any missed days of school will need to be made up according to existing regulations.
We all play a role in reducing the likelihood of a coronavirus outbreak in our school district and community. We encourage everyone to practice good habits, including:
○ Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the restroom and before preparing or consuming food. Wash for 20 seconds, using soap and hot water. Be sure to also wash your fingertips.
○ Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands or in the air. Always try to cough or sneeze into a tissue, and then throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough/sneeze into your arm.
○ As much as you can, avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
○ If children are feeling sick, please keep them home from school. Allow them some time to feel better so that they do not risk infecting others.
We can guarantee that all decisions regarding the possible closing of schools will be made with the best interests of students in mind in consultation with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and can assure you that our first priority is to maintain the safety and well-being of all students and staff. We will continue to keep you updated with new information as it becomes available.
