Wednesday, March 11, 2020 1:24 PM
Dear Parents / Guardians,
St. George’s Preschool is working closely with the Department of Education to protect the health and safety of our students and staff. The Department of Education is in turn working closely with the Department of Health.
The following measures have been put in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our school community should it emerge in Bermuda:
· We have instituted a robust and more frequent cleaning program. Our teachers and staff are now cleaning throughout the day – after recess, lunch and at the end of the day - with special attention given to frequently touched surfaces.
· We are ensuring that our supplies of soap, paper, cleaning and disinfectant supplies are fully stocked and sufficient for a minimum of two weeks at all times.
· Our teachers have been asked to remind students to wash their hands frequently and for the younger children to supervise their hand washing.
· We have reviewed/are in the process of reviewing our crisis management plan
· The Department of Public Works has/shall inspect(ed) water levels in our tank(s) to ensure a sufficient supply in the coming weeks.
While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 in Bermuda, its emergence in other countries – and the possibility that it could enter Bermuda – requires us to take simple and effective measures to prevent its spread and that of any other respiratory virus.
Please be assured that if there was a confirmed case of the virus in our school we would notify staff and parents/guardians within the school community.
As parents and guardians you can play an important role in Bermuda’s preparedness should the virus enter our community.
All students and staff are being asked to practice the following key hygiene principles* and we would appreciate your assistance in reinforcing them within your household.
· Wash your hands frequently – with soap and water – or use hand sanitizer if hand washing facilities are not immediately available.
· Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in a bin
· People who feel unwell should stay at home and should not attend work or any education or childcare setting.
· Pupils, student, staff and visitors should wash their hands:
o Before leaving home
o On arrival at school
o After using the toilet
o After breaks and sporting activities
o Before eating any food, including snacks
o Before leaving school
· Use an alcohol based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available (Please supervise young children)
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
· Avoid close contact with people who are unwell
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
If you or your child has recently returned from a country affected by the COVID-19 virus, please be sure to take appropriate measures as advised by the Department of Health.
For more information, visit www.gov.bm/health-information and www.moed.bm.
Thank you for helping to keep our community safe and healthy!”
*Ref: Public Health England
Sincerely,
Jana Pitcher
Preschool Administrator
St. George's Preschool
Direct Telephone: 297-1510 Cell: 535-1510
Email jpitcher@moed.bm