Parents, Teachers, and Students are now under pressure and panic as news broke out that a patient that has a confirmed case of the Coronavirus visited the high school to attend an event last Saturday, March 7, which caused the schools to close down.
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The school is reported to close down to avoid the risk of the virus
FOX 9 has gathered a voicemail from Superintendent Mark Luebker, that the confirmed patient had attended the Destination Imagination regional tournament last Saturday at Osceola Public School, saying that "Out of an abundance of caution, the decision has been made to cancel school and all activities for Tuesday, March 10, so that recommended cleaning can take place to ensure the safety of students and staff,"
They have now decided to close down schools in Osceola as a precautionary measure to try and prevent Coronavirus to spread amongst teachers and students and ensure their safety as much as possible.
They are unsure of other schools have been affected as well
Aside from Osceola, people have been questioning if other schools have been affected by this virus as well. Luebker responded to this and said that the risk of this spreading to other schools is considered very low. Though, they are unsure if there is actually no risk of this virus spreading at all, recommending that parents and teachers should always check back on the Osceola Schools website for any updates regarding this unfortunate matter.
Both Minnesota and Wisconsin each have two confirmed cases of COVID-19 or Coronavirus as of Monday night.
Educating Students on COVID-19 to Fight Stigma
According to the guidance by the World Health Organization regarding practical actions, while some schools are open, students should be provided with reliable information about how to protect themselves from the virus.
Proper hygiene and handwashing should be promoted as well as providing students with hygiene supplies. School buildings should be regularly cleaned and disinfected, especially where the cafeteria is airflow and ventilation should also be increased.
UNICEF is also urging all schools to provide students with support in this time of need. They should be provided with vital information on measures on how to protect themselves and their families. Mental health support should also be facilitated.
Prevention of stigma and discrimination towards other students is important. By encouraging the children to be kind to one another, people canto avoid various stereotypes whenever the virus is brought up as a subject or topic of conversation.
This guidance also offers some important tips and checklists for caregivers and parents as well as the students themselves.
Whenever the student is sick, monitoring their health and keeping them home is a must. Encourage them to ask questions and to express any concerns or thoughts about the virus.
The most important guidance of all is to remind the children to practice using a tissue or a handkerchief when sneezing or coughing and avoid touching face, mouth, eyes, and nose.
