In a letter to parents and posted the on the district’s website, the Jersey City Public School District said that it is preparing for the possibility that a spread of the COVID-19 virus in the U.S. may impact school attendance, and/or require the closure of schools. The district is planning to provide a combination of educational packets and electronic learning opportunities in the event the New Jersey Department of Health or the Jersey City Department of Health recommends school closures. If it becomes necessary to close, information will be shared through their communication system Blackboard Connect, the district’s website at https://www.jcboe.org/, Facebook, Twitter, the district’s cable channel JCETV. Please make sure your child’s school has your current telephone number and email address.

The district states that perhaps the most important measures that everyone can take are the everyday actions used to prevent the spread of any respiratory disease.

These include the following:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Keep your children home when they are sick. (Children should not return to school unless they have been fever-free without medication for 24 hours.)

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. For information about hand-washing, see the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Hand-washing website: https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/index.html

With regard to the continuation of instruction and providing learning opportunities for students in event of the closure of schools, the district is currently developing a full contingency plan. There will be an early, 12:30 p.m. dismissal for students only this Wednesday, March 11, 2020 to initiate plans and coordinate with staff for satellite learning options.

Header:  Jersey City Times file photo by David Wilson