Today, Public Health – Seattle & King County released new recommendations to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
While health officials did not address schools specifically and do not recommend closing schools at this time, they did offer additional guidance for the general public. If feasible, Public Health asks that organizations postpone or reschedule large gatherings. For their full update, click here. They also acknowledged the importance of maintaining regular school operations and activities as much as possible.
In light of those recommendations, but while also being mindful that this is a developing situation with new guidance daily, the Tahoma team leading the district’s response examined this week’s major events and determined the following:
- Today, March 4, High School & Beyond Night at Tahoma High School: Happening as planned because it cannot be rescheduled and multiple presenters were flying in or traveling considerable distances to share their knowledge with our students.
- Thursday, March 5, District Choir Concert is postponed and will be rescheduled if possible. The Glacier Park Elementary PTO basket raffle event is postponed and will be rescheduled if possible. Tahoma Elementary School’s field trip to the Pacific Science Center in Seattle is postponed and will be rescheduled if possible.
- Friday, March 6, “Pack the Gym” for Special Olympics at Tahoma High School: Postponed and will be rescheduled if possible.
- Saturday, March 7, middle level wrestling tournament scheduled for Maple View Middle School: Postponed and will be rescheduled if possible.
We will continue to monitor information and carefully consider the health and safety of students and staff first as we strive to make consistent decisions.
Today we began delivering and setting up hand-washing stations at schools with portable classrooms. We appreciate the concern and input received from parents as we evaluated ways to provide students with more access to hand-washing stations.
In closing, we would like to share our belief that together we can make a difference in our community by following health officials’ recommendations. We would like to reiterate from prior messages:
- Students and staff should stay home when they are sick. Anyone with fever, cough and other respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath should stay home and call their healthcare provider.
- Good hand-washing at key points in the day is the best strategy for slowing the spread of this illness. Students and staff should wash their hands when they arrive at school, before eating snacks and lunch, and anytime they use the restroom. We are asking Tahoma clubs, sports teams and EEP to follow similar practices.
