Classes are going on as planned Wednesday in the Mitchell Public School system following Tuesday’s announcement by the South Dakota Health Department of a positive test for the Covid 19 virus by a woman in Davison County in her 30’s.
Superintendent Joe Graves sent the following message to staff, which is similar to that sent to parents:
By now, you have all heard that the coronavirus has reached our community, as well as several other communities in South Dakota.
I am now in contact with a representative from the Department of Health very familiar with conditions in Mitchell related to the coronavirus. He and I plan to stay in regular contact so that we have the best possible information going forward.
The recommendation of the Department of Health is simply following normal precautions:
- Regular cleaning of classrooms and all surfaces conducive to the spread of a virus (doorknobs, desk surfaces, light switch plates, etc. )
- Keeping children home who exhibit symptoms, including fevers.
- Use of hand sanitizer.
- Covering mouth when coughing, etc.
- I could go on but you all know these as they are same for cold and flu season in schools.
Hopefully, we will weather this without the need for a school closure. I would recommend, however, that building administration and teachers continue to plan for potential eLearning days, just in case.
To be explicit, regular school operations will be in place tomorrow. Some or all out-of-district activities may be curtailed.
More information regarding the Covid 19 virus is available on-line at covid.sd.gov or by phone at 1-800-997-2880.