JOHNSON COUNTY SCHOOLS

Johnson County Schools – Health and Safety Update – March 15, 2020

Message from Dr. Mischelle Simcox – Director of Schools

Student and staff safety is always our primary concern. We are continuing to receive daily guidance from the TN Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.  The CDC has stated that the COVID-19 has not impacted East Tennessee yet.  We are making preparations for a short or long-term closure of our schools, in the event that it is recommended by the Department of Health, the State or Federal government.  As of today, we have NO indication that this will occur and schools will be open on a normal schedule.   We do not take the decision to close school lightly because of the adverse effects it has on everyone.  However, the TN Department of Health and the CDC have both stated that if there are multiple cases confirmed in a county that closure of school for an extended period would have to occur. 

We understand that school staff, parents and the community are concerned about everyone’s health and safety. It is our goal to keep students, employees and the community healthy and safe.  Our custodial staff and bus drivers will continue to disinfect the classrooms, buildings and busses with disinfectants that are shown to protect against the COVID-19.  Principals at every school are putting in additional procedures to help with prevention. The following are recommended precautions from the CDC:

1.       Promote handwashing

2.       Don’t touch face

3.       Sterilize buildings/busses

4.       Sterilize playgrounds/weight rooms/gym equipment

5.       Avoid sharing of any equipment – band instruments, balls, play toys, etc…

6.       Avoid use of water fountains

7.       Encourage Social distancing– no hugging or close contact (6 ft. away)

If your student does not feel well and has flu like symptoms please keep them at home. Our Telehealth services are provided at every school if your child needs to be monitored. If a student has traveled oversees recently or has visited any “Hotspot” (California, Washington state, Oregon, and New York) please let school administrators know.

Johnson County Schools will be releasing our COVID-19 protocol and response plan over the next few days. Please check our website (www.jocoed.net) or our Facebook page (Johnson County Department of Education) for information that will be updated regularly. For accurate information and resources on the coronavirus COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html