COVID-19 Update 2 - Friday, March 13, 2020

COVID-19 Update 2 - Friday, March 13, 2020
Posted on 03/13/2020

#COVID19 Health Advisory 2

Friday, March 13, 2020


Dear Transylvania County Schools Families ~


Nothing is more important to us than providing a safe environment where great teaching and learning can take place. We can’t do it without you, and we thank you for your patience and cooperation working together with us through rapidly-changing circumstances.


Due to the potential for COVID-19 (coronavirus infection) to spread within communities in our nation and our state, we continue to partner closely with Transylvania Public Health to safeguard our schools and community. 


We are monitoring conditions and taking guidance from public health officials about how to ensure the safety of all children and adults connected to our schools. You can view and download the most recent guidance from Transylvania Public Health for all members of our community.


At this time, there are no positive cases of COVID-19 in our area. While we are prepared to mitigate the risk, prevent possible infections, and respond to possible confirmed cases in the future, closing our schools is not indicated at this time.


We are following a risk-prevention plan endorsed by Transylvania Public Health. We are using this and other information below to prepare for any possible situation arising due to recent events. Check our website tcsnc.org/health for additional resources, as described below.


Guidance On School Closures

Today at 3:30 p.m., Governor Cooper and his administration again stated there is no indication for pre-emptive closure of schools in our communities at this time. Each family is certainly encouraged to make the best decision for the health of children and other family members during cold & flu season, and as we encounter a new health concern in COVID-19.


Wash Your Hands

According to the CDC and state and local health authorities, the most important thing we can do to prevent any possible spread of coronavirus is to wash hands with warm water and soap several times a day, for at least 20 seconds each time. Put up posters, practice with children, and follow these procedures yourself both in and out of your home. There are other important safety tips you will want to discuss at home, as noted below.


Resources for Your Family

The Transylvania Public Health website has helpful resources (in English and Spanish) for staying healthy during cold & flu season, and preventing the spread of coronavirus infection. This includes posters and notes about hand-washing and other safety tips, how to identify symptoms of a potential infection, and what to do if you or someone you know might need to be tested for COVID-19. We will send reminders of this information over the next several days, but transylvaniahealth.org is a great place to start.


Virtual Days/ Digital Learning

Teachers have been busily preparing for up to 10 days of remote learning through our practice of Virtual Days. Usually, we prepare for up to 3 days at a time, but in the event of a possible outbreak affecting our community, we will be ready to sustain learning away from school buildings for at least two weeks, possibly longer.


Student Athletics

As of March 13, 2020, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association postponed all high school athletics through April 6, 2020. Shortly after, conferences and schools followed with closing middle school athletics for the same period. This postponement may be extended based on conditions during this period, and we will send updates as they become available.


Event Cancellations

When Governor Cooper announced a state of emergency earlier this month, he also guided organizations to cancel or postpone events with 100 or more people. For that reason, we have begun cancelling a number of events in our schools, and district-wide. Next week, we will begin posting a list to help you stay up to date on the rapid changes.


Feeding Children

The US Department of Agriculture has granted NC Public Schools a waiver for “area eligible” districts, like Transylvania County Schools, to continue feeding children thanks to federal support in the event of school closure. This would allow us to use yellow buses and bus drivers to transport food, set up food pickup sites, and stay connected with community partners who help us feed children all year long. We hope not to need such emergency measures, but we are very happy that our ability to help feed growing children will not be affected by school closures.



Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and visit our home page at www.tcsnc.org for regular updates. Have a safe and healthy weekend!


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