Dear Members of the Key Community,
Given the recent communication from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the potential spread of Coronavirus globally, we felt it was important to reach out again to share information about how Key School is working to proactively prepare to address, to the best of our ability, this health concern.
The CDC currently reports the public health threat of Coronavirus (COVID-19) as high both globally and in the United States. Key School recognizes the seriousness of this illness and is actively taking precautions to protect the Key community and to prepare for the various ways it may impact School operations.
As shared in our correspondence in January, we have asked all members of the community to remain apprised of Travel Restrictions; we now ask that families keep the School's Health Office aware of any international travel. Please do note, per updated CDC guidelines, any students returning from China (as of February 4) are now required to stay home from school for 14 days. Do be aware this type of requirement could expand to other countries, depending upon the spread of the virus. We are aware a number of families adjusted Mid-Winter Break plans for travel abroad and appreciate that decision.
Key, as well as our peer schools nationwide, are considering whether school-related trips abroad will occur and we anticipate making final decisions about this in several weeks.
As we have been doing since January, Key's Health Office continues to actively monitor and follow the guidelines and recommendations of the CDC and Maryland Department of Health. It has also collaborated with the Facilities Department to ensure our cleaning crew is working diligently to adequately disinfect commonly touched surfaces and thoroughly clean the campus each night.
Key's IT Department and Administrative Team are assessing options for achieving academic continuity should there be a prolonged disruption to school operations.
As more cases of the Coronavirus are likely to be confirmed in the coming days and potentially spreading more locally, we do anticipate more communication with our community and will plan to leverage existing communication vehicles in addition to stand alone emails, when warranted. Please do read the Thursday Reminders and What's Happening at Key! as we are likely to share information in each of these recurring publications.
As a reminder, the flu is also of concern and proper preventive steps are important to combat both the flu and Coronavirus. It is imperative that individuals stay home if they are not feeling well and do not return to Key until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
We assure you we are taking Coronavirus seriously here at Key, keeping a close eye on the spread of this illness, and staying on top of all National and State recommendations. We greatly appreciate the support of our families and colleagues, and are available should you have any additional questions.
Regards,
Katie Anderson Matthew Nespole
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