COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information
Center for Disease Control - one page summary (Center for Disease Control website, 3/9/2020)
How the COVID-19 Spreads (Center for Disease Control website, 3/9/2020)
Person-to-person spread - The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- 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.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
- People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
- It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How easily the virus spreads
- How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.
- The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. (*Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.)
Symptoms of the Coronavirus (Center for Disease Control website, 3/9/2020)
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.*
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Call your doctor if you…
- Develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person know to have COVID-19 or
- Have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.
Prevention and Treatment of the Coronavirus (Center for Disease Control website, 3/9/2020)
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility). - Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website
For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.
Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick (Center for Disease Control website, 3/9/2020)
If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.
Stay home except to get medical care
- Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.
- Avoid public areas:Do not go to work, school, or public areas.
- Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
- Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
- Limit contact with pets & animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.
- When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.
Call ahead before visiting your doctor
- Call ahead: If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
Wear a facemask if you are sick
- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
- If you are caring for others: If the person who is sick is not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live with the person who is sick should not stay in the same room with them, or they should wear a facemask if they enter a room with the person who is sick.
Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined trash can.
- Wash hands: Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, if soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Clean your hands often (Handwashing guidance)
- Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
- Soap and water: Soap and water are the best option if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid sharing personal household items
- Do not share: You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home.
- Wash thoroughly after use: After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday (Complete disinfection guidance)
- Clean and disinfect: Practice routine cleaning of high touch surfaces. High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
- Disinfect areas with bodily fluids: Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.
- Household cleaners: Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
Monitor your symptoms
- Seek medical attention: Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing).
- Call your doctor: Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19.
- Wear a facemask when sick: Put on a facemask before you enter the facility. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed.
- Alert health department: Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate.
Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.
Discontinuing home isolation
- Stay at home until instructed to leave: Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low.
- Talk to your healthcare provider: The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
Mental Health and Coping with COVID-19 (Center for Disease Control website, 3/9/2020)
Children react, in part, to what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared.
Not all children respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for in children:
- Excessive crying and irritation
- Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (e.g., toileting accidents or bedwetting)
- Excessive worry or sadness
- Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
- Irritability and “acting out” behaviors
- Poor school performance or avoiding school
- Difficulty with attention and concentration
- Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
- Unexplained headaches or body pain
- Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
There are many things you can do to support your child:
- Take time to talk with your child about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child can understand.
- Reassure your child that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
- Limit your child’s exposure to media coverage of the event. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
- Help your child to have a sense of structure. Once it is safe to return to school or child care, help them return to their regular activity.
- Be a role model; take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members and rely on your social support system.
Learn more about helping children cope.
Talking to Your Children About Coronavirus (National Assn of School Psychologists website, 3/9/2020)
Norfolk Public Schools Takes Steps To Prepare:
Norfolk Public Schools is working closely with the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department (ELVPHD) to ensure that we are prepared to respond in the event that COVID-19 affects Norfolk. If a student or staff member is identified as having COVID-19, we will immediately consult with the ELVPHD for further direction. In addition, our school district has taken the following steps:
- We are encouraging student families and staff to update their emergency contact lists so information can be shared efficiently and effectively.
- We are encouraging students and staff to use good hygiene measures and to stay home if they are ill or exhibit symptoms such as a cough or fever.
- We have inventoried our cleaning and disinfecting supplies to ensure that we have adequate supplies on hand. We have also communicated with building leadership to encourage an awareness and attention to cleaning procedures to help minimize the spread of germs in school buildings.
- We are analyzing various ways that we could provide on-line learning opportunities for students if our city develops into an quarantined situation and we must cancel school for an extended period of time. (We will work with the ELVPHD and/or CDC to make such a determination, if it is needed.)
- At the direction of the ELVPHD, the following guidelines are to be used for students and staff who are returning from travel:
Those returning from China, Italy, Iran and South Korea need to home-quarantine for 14 days and register with ELVPHD at http://cip-dhhs.ne.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=JKHEPR4DPR
Those returning from Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, or Thailand are simply asked to register at http://cip-dhhs.ne.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=JKHEPR4DPR
If symptoms are not present, these students and staff can return to school/work--unless they know they have had direct contact with someone who had COVID-19 while traveling.
If students or staff know they have had direct contact with someone who had COVID-19 they should institute a 14-day home-quarantine and contact ELVPHD for further directions.
At this time, people returning from other countries (not listed above) should not be excluded from work/school.
Communication Updates:
On 3/23/2020, Superintendent Dr. Jami Jo Thompson sent the following messages to NPS Families:
Dear Families,
It is with a heavy heart that I tell you that I have received recommendations by the Nebraska Department of Education and the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department indicating that our school buildings should remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Therefore, the home-based learning opportunities that we are starting on Wednesday, March 25th will continue through May 21st. Grab N Go meals will also continue throughout this time period. All school athletics, activities, and events planned are also cancelled for the remainder of the school year.
I know this note will prompt many questions regarding the logistics of things like cleaning out school lockers, graduation and much more. Your school principal will be in touch very soon with more detailed information. Even though our buildings are closed to students and families, our teachers and school administrators will continue to work hard to provide the best learning environment possible for all students, and we are eager to work with you via phone or email to ensure that happens. Please do not hesitate to reach out if help is needed or if you have questions.
Please remember the purpose in closing our schools is to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. This only works if you encourage your children to practice social distancing.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jami Jo Thompson,
Superintendent, Norfolk Public Schools
A MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. JAMI JO THOMPSON - CORONAVIRUS UPDATE TO NPS FAMILIES (3/16/2020 P.M.):
Dear Families,
The Nebraska Department of Education has issued guidance to schools indicating that: “By Monday, March 23rd, all schools across the state are to move to an alternate learning structure with students no longer reporting to a traditional setting, until further notice. Schools should be prepared to operate in the alternate learning environment for six to eight weeks, with a review of operations every two weeks. N-SCAS will be suspended for the 2019-2020 school year.”
Thus, the earliest date that Norfolk Public Schools could reopen is Monday, April 6th.
Grab N Go Lunches will begin this Wednesday, March 18th, and home-based learning options will begin on Wednesday, March 25th. More information about these plans will be provided tomorrow.
Please let your children know that our NPS teachers, administrators and staff will miss them very much and we are looking forward to their return! And, please stay healthy!
Dr. Jami Jo Thompson,
Superintendent, NPS
A MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. JAMI JO THOMPSON - CORONAVIRUS UPDATE TO NPS FAMILIES (3/13/2020 P.M.):
Dear Families, Para español, vea abajo
Out of an abundance of caution and the need for us to plan for a possible 6 to 8 week closure in the future, we are extending our Spring Break. Students will not report to Monday, March 16th through Thursday, March 19th as originally planned. Their Spring Break will run from Monday, March 16th through Tuesday, March 24th. Student activities will also be suspended during this time period.
Staff will report Monday, March 16th through Thursday, March 19th to make preparations in case we need to close our buildings for an extended period of time and provide students with a home-based learning option.
A decision will be made sometime next week regarding whether we will reopen on March 25th. If we decide not to re-open on March 25th, we will begin our home-based learning option at that time.
It is recommended that students actually stay home during this time period in order to limit their possible exposure to Coronavirus/COVID-19. We want to slow the spread of this virus and keep as many people healthy as possible.
We met with a variety of community leaders earlier today and they support our decision. You can expect an announcement from other community schools in the near future. In addition, we will be holding a multi-agency press conference Monday morning at 10:00 to discuss this and other COVID-related topics.
Thank you for your support! We want to do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of our families! Additional information regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19 is available on our website.
Sincerely,
Jami Jo Thompson
Superintendent, Norfolk Public Schools
****
Estimadas familias,
Debido a la abundancia de precaución y la necesidad de que planeemos un posible cierre de 6 a 8 semanas en el futuro, estamos extendiendo nuestras vacaciones de primavera. Los estudiantes no se reportarán hasta el lunes 16 de marzo hasta el jueves 19 de marzo según lo planeado originalmente. Sus vacaciones de primavera se realizarán desde el lunes 16 de marzo hasta el martes 24 de marzo. Las actividades de los estudiantes también serán suspendidas durante este período de tiempo.
El personal se reportará el lunes 16 de marzo al jueves 19 de marzo para hacer los preparativos en caso de que necesitemos cerrar nuestros edificios durante un período prolongado de tiempo y brindarles a los estudiantes una opción de aprendizaje en el hogar.
La próxima semana se tomará una decisión con respecto a si reabriremos el 25 de marzo. Si decidimos no volver a abrir el 25 de marzo, comenzaremos nuestra opción de aprendizaje en el hogar en ese momento.
Se recomienda que los estudiantes se queden en casa durante este período de tiempo para limitar su posible exposición al Coronavirus / COVID-19. Queremos retrasar la propagación de este virus y mantener a la mayor cantidad de personas saludables posible.
Nos reunimos hoy con una variedad de líderes comunitarios y apoyan nuestra decisión. Puede esperar un anuncio de otras escuelas comunitarias en el futuro cercano. Además, realizaremos una conferencia de prensa de múltiples agencias el lunes por la mañana a las 10:00 para hablar de este y otros temas relacionados con COVID.
¡Gracias por su apoyo! ¡Queremos hacer todo lo posible para garantizar la salud y la seguridad de nuestras familias! Información adicional sobre Coronavirus / COVID-19 está disponible en nuestro sitio web.
Sinceramente,
Jami Jo Thompson
A MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. JAMI JO THOMPSON - CORONAVIRUS UPDATE TO NHS FAMILIES (3/11/2020 P.M.):
Dear Families, Para español, vea abajo
I have some good news! The Norfolk Senior High teacher that I emailed you regarding earlier today, who attended the Crofton girls basketball game last weekend, has been cleared by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department. She did not come within the “circle of concern” and there is no risk that she was exposed to the Coronavirus/COVID-19. She will be returning to school in the morning.
Thank you for your cooperation during this difficult time. We will continue to do everything that we can to keep our staff and students safe.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jami Jo Thompson
Superintendent, Norfolk Public Schools
***
Estimadas familias,
¡Tengo buenas noticias! El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos y el Departamento de Salud Pública de Elkhorn Logan Valley autorizaron a la maestra de Norfolk Senior High con la que le envié un correo electrónico el día de hoy, que asistió al juego de baloncesto femenino de Crofton el pasado fin de semana. Ella no entró en el "círculo de preocupación" y no hay riesgo de que haya estado expuesta al Coronavirus / COVID-19. Ella regresará a la escuela por la mañana.
Gracias por su cooperación durante este momento difícil. Continuaremos haciendo todo lo posible para mantener a nuestro personal y estudiantes seguros.
Sinceramente,
Dr. Jami Jo Thompson
Superintendente, Norfolk Public Schools
A MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. JAMI JO THOMPSON - CORONAVIRUS UPDATE TO NHS FAMILIES (3/11/2020 A.M.):
Dear Families, Para español, vea abajo
As you have likely heard, a student in Crofton has tested positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The student was in the Crofton section/crowd at the Girls State Basketball Game last week. The amount of exposure that spectators had as a result is unknown. However, one of our Norfolk Senior High School teachers was in the Crofton crowd. Out of an abundance of caution, we have asked this teacher to stay home until she receives further direction from the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department. We have also moved her classes to a different location within the high school until we are able to thoroughly disinfect her classroom. I have visited with officials at the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department and they have reassured me that no further actions are needed at this time. If you have any concerns, and would like to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact your building principal.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jami Jo Thompson
Superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools
****
Estimadas familias:
Como probablemente hayan escuchado, un estudiante en Crofton dio positivo por COVID-19. El estudiante estuvo en la sección / multitud de Crofton en el Juego de Baloncesto Estatal de Niñas la semana pasada. Se desconoce la cantidad de exposición que los espectadores tuvieron como resultado. Sin embargo, uno de nuestros maestros de Norfolk Senior High School estaba en la multitud de Crofton. Por precaución, le hemos pedido a esta maestra que se quede en casa hasta que reciba más instrucciones del Departamento de Salud Pública de Elkhorn Logan Valley. También hemos trasladado sus clases a un lugar diferente dentro de la escuela secundaria hasta que podamos desinfectar completamente su salón de clases. He visitado a funcionarios del Departamento de Salud Pública de Elkhorn Logan Valley y me han asegurado que no se necesitan más acciones en este momento. Si tiene alguna inquietud y desea hablar de esto más a fondo, no dude en comunicarse con el director de su edificio.
Sinceramente,
Dra. Jami Jo Thompson
Superintendente de Norfolk Public Schools
A message from Superintendent Dr. Jami Jo Thompson - Coronavirus Update to NPS families (3/9/2020):
Dear families,
I know that many of you have questions and concerns regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) – particularly regarding recent events in Fremont. We understand that this news is worrisome and want to assure you that Norfolk Public Schools is working closely with the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department and the Nebraska Department of Education, and that we will follow their guidance in order to help keep you and your children safe.
Fremont Public and Private Schools, the YMCA and Midlands College have closed for the week for precautionary purposes, because a lady with Coronavirus attended their Special Olympics Tournament. They are using this time to clean their facilities in order to insure that there is no contamination or possible spreading of the virus.
Only students, coaches and parents who attended the Special Olympics event at the YMCA are being asked to self-monitor and self-quarantine. HHS is tracking and contacting these individuals and providing them with specific guidance.
People who attended other events in Fremont this weekend are NOT considered to be at risk. There is no concern that they have been exposed to the Coronavirus. They may continue to go to work, school, etc.
Public health officials continue to stress the need for everyone to use good hygiene practices, in order to prevent the spreading of this virus. There are some simple, everyday steps you can take to reduce your chances of exposure and to protect others. Fortunately, those steps are the same that you would take to prevent the flu, the common cold, and other respiratory illnesses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue (or sleeve) and throw the tissue away.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are often touched.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Take care of your health overall. Staying current on your vaccinations, including the flu vaccine, eating well, and exercising all help your body stay resistant to disease.
- Consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel website for any travel advisories and steps to protect yourself if you plan to travel outside of the US.
Please know that I am in constant contact with local and state health officials, and I will do everything I can to keep you and your children safe. The health and safety of our students and staff is always our highest priority!
Sincerely,
Dr. Jami Jo Thompson
******
Estimadas familias,
Sé que muchos de ustedes tienen preguntas e inquietudes con respecto al Coronavirus (COVID-19), particularmente con respecto a los eventos recientes en Fremont. Entendemos que esta noticia es preocupante y queremos asegurarle que Norfolk Public Schools están trabajando estrechamente con el Departamento de Salud Pública de Elkhorn Logan Valley y el Departamento de Educación de Nebraska, y que seguiremos sus pautas para ayudarlo a mantenerlo a usted y a sus hijos seguros.
Las Escuelas Públicas y Privadas de Fremont, YMCA y Midlands College cerraron durante la semana por razones de precaución, porque una mujer con Coronavirus asistió a su Torneo de Olimpiadas Especiales. Están utilizando este tiempo para limpiar sus instalaciones con el fin de asegurarse de que no haya contaminación o posible propagación del virus.
Solo estudiantes, entrenadores y padres que asistieron al evento de Olimpiadas Especiales en el YMCA se les pide que se supervisen a sí mismos y se pongan en cuarentena. HHS está rastreando y contactando a estas personas y proporcionándoles orientación específica.
Las personas que asistieron a otros eventos en Fremont este fin de semana NO se consideran en riesgo. No hay preocupación de que hayan estado expuestos al Coronavirus. Pueden continuar yendo al trabajo, a la escuela, etc.
Los funcionarios de salud pública continúan haciendo hincapié en la necesidad de que todos usen buenas prácticas de higiene para evitar la propagación de este virus. Hay algunos pasos simples y cotidianos que puede tomar para reducir sus posibilidades de exposición y proteger a los demás. Afortunadamente, esos pasos son los mismos que tomaría para prevenir la gripe, el resfriado común y otras enfermedades respiratorias:
- Lávese las manos con frecuencia con agua y jabón durante 20 segundos.
- Si no hay agua y jabón disponibles, use un desinfectante para manos a base de alcohol que contenga al menos 60 por ciento de alcohol.
- Evite tocarse los ojos, la nariz y la boca con las manos sin lavar.
- basura.
- Limpie y desinfecte las superficies que a menudo se tocan.
- Quédese en casa si está enfermo.
- Evitar el contacto cercano con personas que están enfermas.
- Cuide su salud en general. Mantenerse al día con sus vacunas, incluida la vacuna contra la gripe, comer bien y hacer ejercicio, todo ayuda a su cuerpo a mantenerse resistente a las enfermedades.
- Consulta el Sitio web Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) de viajes para cualquier advertencia de viaje y pasos para protegerse si planea viajar fuera de los Estados Unidos.
Tenga en cuenta que estoy en contacto constante con los funcionarios de salud locales y estatales, y que haré todo lo posible para mantener a usted y a sus hijos a salvo. ¡La salud y seguridad de nuestros estudiantes y personal es siempre nuestra máxima prioridad!
Atentamente,
Dr. Jami Jo Thompson
A message from Superintendent Dr. Jami Jo Thompson - Spring Break announcement and Coronavirus Update to NPS families (2/28/2020):
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am happy to announce that Norfolk Public Schools’ students will enjoy Spring Break this year with days off on March 20th thru March 24th. Since our school district did not use excessive snow days this winter, we do not need to make-up any school days.
I also want to take a moment today to address the concerns surrounding the potential spread of the coronavirus to our city or state. Norfolk Public Schools is working with the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department (ELVPHD) and we are prepared if this virus does find its way to Norfolk. The health officials at ELVPHD have indicated that staff, students, and families can implement the following strategies to help prevent the spread of this virus:
- Use ‘basic’ hygiene measures, such as regularly washing your hands and coughing or sneezing into your elbow,
- Stay at home if you are sick.
They also suggest that you make sure your emergency contact information is current with the school district.
Norfolk Public Schools will continue to collaborate with the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department and will follow guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) upon its release. Anyone with concerns should speak with their school nurse or building principal.
Best wishes for a healthy and happy spring break!
Dr. Jami Jo Thompson,
Superintendent, Norfolk Public Schools