Dear Administrators, Teachers, Staff, and Parents/Guardians,
This is a clarification from the Albany Unified School District (AUSD) regarding coronavirus precautions. The email sent yesterday, Feb. 4 stated in part, “...out of an abundance of caution, we are requiring the student to stay home for 14 days.” In fact, AUSD is not requiring students who have recently travelled in mainland China to stay home; however, we are strongly recommending this voluntary step to parents.
This recommendation is consistent with the latest joint statement from Alameda County Public Health Department and Alameda County Office of Education (statements also available in Chinese and Spanish). These authorities recommend that people who have recently travelled in mainland China should stay home. Staying home is a voluntary act that individuals and families are encouraged to consider. AUSD will cooperate fully with any students that are voluntarily staying home by providing them with the means to keep up with their schoolwork.
We will continue our current policy of sending home students who have a fever, and parents are requested to keep children at home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
Our policy going forward regarding the potential spread of coronavirus will exactly mirror that of Alameda County and the Alameda County Office of Education’s recommendations. AUSD’s primary mission is the safety and well-being of all students and staff, and we will monitor this situation daily and send community updates if the situation warrants.
Important points in Alameda County Office of Education’s letter:
- To date, there are 4 confirmed cases in Northern California and no confirmed cases in Alameda County. These individuals and their households have been isolated and are being monitored by their respective counties’ public health departments.
- People who have travelled from anywhere in mainland China within the past two weeks should stay at home and avoid public settings, work, school, or large gatherings.
- The general Alameda County public should continue to engage in their regular activities and people should not be excluded from activities based on their race or country of origin.
Frank Wells
Dr. Frank Wells
Superintendent of Schools
Albany Unified School District