Lucerne Valley USD Gives Update on COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

LVUSD Families and Stakeholders,

I wanted to provide continued updates in regards to COVID-19. When any alarming incident like the 2019 novel coronavirus occurs, we all want honest information. I am writing today to update you on the state of the coronavirus from our perspective. I also want to share information regarding steps that we are taking to minimize the chance of transmission at our school sites.

First, we can expect the numbers of those being identified with the COVID-19 to rise as more people are tested. I fully expect to see cases being identified in our County shortly. With that said it is more important than ever to take measures for preventing any infectious disease.

We can all take common-sense precautions to minimize the chances of transmission within our community. Importantly, these precautions will help prevent the spread of communicable illnesses which our schools are far more likely to encounter, such as the common cold, various flu strains and gastroenteritis.

Actions by Lucerne Valley Unified School District to Keep Our Schools Healthy

Although there are no plans to cancel school days at this time, we are carefully monitoring this situation in conjunction with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health. We are actively working to keep our schools as healthy as possible in other ways, including:

Regular Interaction with Health Partners. We remain in regular contact with health officials for new guidance. We will maintain ongoing communications within the district as this situation evolves and we can share new information.
Respiratory Etiquette Instruction. All teachers are being instructed to teach their students about the most hygienic way to manage oral and nasal discharge when they sneeze and cough. They are also being instructed to encourage students to frequently wash their hands and maintain heightened hygiene.
Limiting Exposure Among Students. Should any student arrive at school and report feeling ill, they will be cared for in the Health Office, away from other students until their families arrive to bring them home.
Safe and Clean Environment. Sanitary supplies such as hand soap, tissues, and paper towels are available throughout school sites. We have increased the custodial hours for both our sites and we have an ample stock of cleaning supplies for them.
We have ordered hand sanitizer dispensers from our vendor and will be installing them in all areas (including classrooms) when they arrive. Our vendor, Waxie, is the primary vendor for all hospitals, public agencies, etc. They are being supplied by Purell. There is a very small back order on their end, but they expect to be able to supply us shortly. In the meantime please remind students to use soap and water to wash hands. It is not hot water that cleans the hands, it is the soap. Soap will clean hands regardless of temperature.

In addition to these steps to maintain a healthy environment, there are many steps that families can take to help keep our children healthy.

Recommendations to Help Keep Schools Healthy

Stay home when sick. If cold and flu-like symptoms emerge, students, staff and volunteers should remain home until fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
Seek medical care if cold or flu-like symptoms become severe (e.g., high fever or difficulty breathing). In such cases, families should call their doctor before arriving at their office so they can prepare for the visit and provide a sanitary mask to avoid transmission of any pathogens.
When coughing or sneezing, turn away from others and cover the mouth with a tissue, a sleeve or elbow. Never use a hand to cover a cough because this will only make transmission more likely. When using a tissue, immediately discard it in a waste bin.
Wash hands frequently throughout the day, including backs of hands and fingernails.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth as this increases the chances of transmission.
DO NOT utilize surgical masks to prevent exposure to the virus because they do not work. Such masks are only effective in preventing the sick person wearing them from transmitting the virus to others.

For additional information on the novel coronavirus and what you can do to stay healthy please visit the following websites.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the health and wellness of the students of Lucerne Valley Unified School District. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your site administrator if you have questions. I will continue to update based upon what we learn.

Peter Livingston, Superintendent