Are you going to send a mask with your kid to school?

[Anonymous]

No, but the Netflix documentary is reminding me that I need to stock n95 masks.

[Anonymous]

I've never sen DCUM in this much agreement over anything begore

[Anonymous]

I've never seen MCPS send out an email about a virus that isn't even in Maryland yet.

[Anonymous]

Dear Parents and Guardians:

MCPS is committed to the health and safety of our students. In the last 48 hours, we’ve heard from several communities seeking information about the Coronavirus. At this time, there are no reports of Coronavirus in our community. The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has also informed us that to date, no cases have been confirmed in Maryland and there is no reason from a clinical standpoint to be alarmed.

DHHS and the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security are monitoring the incidence of the Coronavirus in the U.S. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the situation closely in partnership with the World Health Organization. MCPS will continue to consult with DHHS and will provide updates if the situation changes.

As a best practice for overall health in cold and influenza season, the CDC recommends that individuals receive the influenza vaccination and engage in everyday, preventative measures to prevent the spread of germs and avoid illness, such as:

Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick. The CDC recommends that individuals remain home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever (i.e., chills, feeling warm, flushed appearance).
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately discard the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Take any anti-viral medication prescribed to you as instructed.


Sincerely,

Montgomery County Public Schools

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Microbiologist here.

No, there is no reason to walk around with masks in the USA right now, except perhaps in international airports and on board international-bound airplanes.

However, thinking about this for future pandemics, if your child needs to go to school wearing a mask, it means the school system should consider closing temporarily. Hopefully we will never have that scenario here, but this is one of the measures epidemiologists need to plan for.

Good point. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

It is wonderful that MCPS made a statement.
Whoever posted it here. Thanks.

What was the source? Was it sent via email to all parents as well?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is wonderful that MCPS made a statement.
Whoever posted it here. Thanks.

What was the source? Was it sent via email to all parents as well?

Yes email

[Anonymous]

If it gets to the point people should be doing this, school should be cancelled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If it gets to the point people should be doing this, school should be cancelled.

I think school should be canceled for a few days due to flu. It’s all over the schools in our neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, but I bought a case of Lysol wipes this weekend. DH took 5 to his school. I took 5 to mine. DD took 7 to hers (One per classroom).

I also gave DD a bottle of hand sanitizer.

This is hilarious! Wait...you are joking, right?

Why would this be a joke. Y’all kids are germy and they touch everything. And the supplies are not for the three of us personally. I gave a canister to my immediate neighbors and had my students used the fifth to clean our room. DH teaches in two rooms, but he stashed the extra three in his department’s supply closet. DD brought hers for her teachers. What you donated in September ran out months ago. I asked for hand sanitizer every month and our nurse said one bottle was the limit. So this one came out of my pocket.

5 of DD’s seven teachers already emailed thank you.

[Anonymous]

The school needs to enforce hand washing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, but I bought a case of Lysol wipes this weekend. DH took 5 to his school. I took 5 to mine. DD took 7 to hers (One per classroom).

I also gave DD a bottle of hand sanitizer.

So you and your husband are teachers?

We are a two-teacher HH, and this never crossed our minds.

Yes, we are. We both have some health issues so we’re pretty vigilant about cleaning our classrooms and encouraging student hygiene. Hard to do when the bathrooms don’t have liquid soap, warm water, or paper towels.

[Anonymous]

Hibaclens all the way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The school needs to enforce hand washing.

You do know that most of these are spread by droplet. Yes, washing hands is important, but if someone sneezes or coughs on you, handwashing doesn't help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, but I bought a case of Lysol wipes this weekend. DH took 5 to his school. I took 5 to mine. DD took 7 to hers (One per classroom).

I also gave DD a bottle of hand sanitizer.

So you and your husband are teachers?

We are a two-teacher HH, and this never crossed our minds.

Yes, we are. We both have some health issues so we’re pretty vigilant about cleaning our classrooms and encouraging student hygiene. Hard to do when the bathrooms don’t have liquid soap, warm water, or paper towels.

What MCPS schools do not have warm water, soap or paper towels?