Pasadena Unified Issues Statement on Coronavirus

Dear Pasadena Unified Community:

The Pasadena Unified School District is continuing to work closely with the Pasadena Public Health Department, the L.A. County Office of Education, and the L.A. County Department of Public Health to monitor the latest developments about the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), provide accurate information to our communities, and keep our students, teachers, and staff safe and healthy.

On Tuesday, officials from the Centers for Disease Control warned that the novel coronavirus will almost certainly spread in the United States, and that schools and businesses should prepare for a possible pandemic.

We understand that this statement may be creating concerns for our school community. While the fact remains that there is still only one confirmed case in L.A. County, PUSD is preparing and planning to keep our students and staff safe. At this time, there are no plans for imminent school closures.

PUSD is updating protocols and preparing plans for virtual learning for schools in the event of a prolonged emergency of any kind, including coronavirus. We will keep you updated as this plan develops. Information is also posted at pusd.us

As a reminder, the most important thing we can all do is to practice good hygiene habits, including staying home if you feel sick – and that the best prevention against any virus is to wash our hands often. To help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including the coronavirus and flu, public health officials encourages everyone to:

• Stay home and away from others if you have a mild illness (with a fever of 100°F or above).
• Stay at home until you are free of fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Be sure to get your influenza vaccine to protect yourself from the flu.

In addition, we want to ensure that our schools continue to focus on creating a welcoming environment for all students as there may be fear in our communities.

PUSD Health Programs is working closely with the Pasadena Public Health Department and our schools to provide guidelines and resources to share accurate information and take appropriate action. If you have questions about these topics, please contact our Health Programs office at (626) 396-3600 ext. 88243.

 

Sincerely,

Brian McDonald
Superintendent

 

Additional Information:
Video from L.A. County Office of Education Superintendent https://youtu.be/ZzTk4oYtiGQ
Centers for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Pasadena Department of Public Health https://www.cityofpasadena.net/public-health/
LA County Department of Public Health Information & Frequently Asked Questions