The letter:
March 11, 2020
Dear Families, Employees and Community Members:
On Wednesday, March 11, 2020, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) was notified that an individual affiliated with Eleanor Roosevelt High School and College Park Academy had
close contact with someone who traveled to a country under a high-risk coronavirus (COVID-19) warning. As a precaution, both schools will be closed Thursday, March 12, 2020 and Friday,
March 13, 2020 for cleaning and sanitizing. Students and staff will return Monday, March 16, 2020.
Due to confidentiality rules, we cannot share identifying details about the individual. The Prince George’s County Health Department is conducting an investigation and gathering important
information from the patient to help keep the public safe and healthy. The closures affect all programming at the school, including before and after-school activities and all athletic, extracurricular and weekend events.
We are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)best practices for cleaning and disinfection to prevent COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses. This will include
high-traffic areas and surfaces, such as doorknobs, keyboards, handrails and countertops. The coronavirus is thought to be spread mainly from person-to-person in the following ways:
-- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
-- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
As with controlling the spread of other viruses, we urge you to take the following preventive steps that are always recommended to slow the spread of respiratory illnesses, like colds, flu and this
virus:
-- Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay at home if you are ill.
-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
-- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
-- Stay home when you are sick.
-- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
-- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
We understand you may have questions about COVID-19. Please visit www.pgcps.org/coronavirus for additional information and resources.
If you have questions, please contact eroos.info @ pgcps.org or cpark.info Opgcps.org.
Sincerely,
Monica E. Goldson, Ed.D.