VINALHAVEN — Vinalhaven School Superintendent Tonya Arnold released a letter to parents March 10 regarding the school’s response to COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. 

Given new information related to this disease outbreak, we are reviewing our emergency response plan, adding a section related to transmittable illnesses, increasing our sanitation practices, reviewing policies, receiving daily updates from the CDC, meeting regularly with other emergency management agencies and the clinic, and staying informed by the Department of Education and other agencies.

STEP 1 - PRACTICE & TEACH GOOD HYGIENE
The best defense is to take good care of yourself and loved ones by getting plenty of sleep, eating healthy, exercising in the fresh air, and being regimented about cleaning routines such as hand washing with soap on your hands for the full “ABC” song. Wash hands frequently, especially before and after eating or attending high traffic locations. Wash towels, clothing, bedding, mittens and jackets often. Soap and water is a strong defense, so clean with your regular resources even if supplies you seek such as wipes or hand sanitizer become in short supply.

STEP 2 - STAY HOME TO REST with FEVER, COUGH, OR TROUBLE BREATHING
Anyone with a fever must stay home until it no longer comes back after 24 hours free of medicine that reduces fever.

COUGH OR RESPIRATORY ILLNESS
So long as you did not have exposure to any person or place with confirmed COVID19 cases or use mass transit areas with international passengers, you should follow normal routines to control the symptoms. This may mean taking over the counter medicine as well as the common practices for germ containment - covering mouth with tissue or elbow when coughing, avoid touching your face, wash frequently, and opt out of physical contact with others to help prevent the spread of germs to others until you are well.

STEP 3 - LIMIT TRAVEL and follow up QUARANTINES
Self-isolate and call your provider for advisement and direction IF
you develop symptoms of cough, fever, or difficulty breathing during the first two weeks home after international travel, a cruise, or travel to high risk states,
You traveled to (or through) high or medium risk countries (including cruises),
You were on a ship or at a location that had a confirmed case reported,
If after a cruise/trip you have been told to self-quarantine, then you must do so.
These are required excused absences for students and staff.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS as of 3-10-20
CDC advises NO CRUISE SHIP TRAVEL at this time & NO TRAVEL TO Medium & High risk locations. Schools are advised to cancel international travel and limit US travel based on daily notices, especially planning to avoid international travel airline hubs.