Recently, Coronavirus has become a major health crisis and has greatly affected most of the world. It is now officially classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization.

There is not yet a treatment or vaccine for Coronavirus, and it is quickly spreading. Some cruise lines, and major music festivals like Coachella are either canceling or postponing events due to the virus. Colleges across the nation and locally have even switched to students doing online schooling to prevent large groups from being in one general area. The NBA has even put the current season on hold in response to safety concerns.

With the virus now present in Northern Virginia, it is important to take precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus. 

“It is of the utmost importance that students are washing their hands regularly. There is a CDC video showing how to properly wash hands for the most sanitary outcome,”  said Liberty High School’s school nurse, Mrs. Judy Waleska. 

Since Coronavirus symptoms are similar to cold and flu symptoms, students should make sure they are taking the initiative to stay home when they feel unwell. 

“Since the virus is a big fear right now, we strongly encourage students to stay home when they are feeling sick,” said Mrs. Waleska. 

Statistically speaking, teens are not at as high of a  risk for suffering severe symptoms from this virus. But this does NOT mean that the pandemic is not about them. They are able to carry the virus and pass it to relatives, neighbors, or friends who ARE more at risk, for example elderly people and people who have compromised immune systems. It important that young people DO take the virus seriously and take precautions that are suggested by health professionals. The goal is to slow down the spread of the vius and to prevent hospitals from becoming overcrowded with people needing treatment all at the same time. Taking proper precautions could literally save lives of people who are a bit more at risk.

Fauquier county has released a general statement, last updated on March 8, as follows:

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to rapidly evolve, with two presumptive positive cases in Virginia as of March 8, 2020. While there are no reports of COVID-19 in Fauquier County, we have heard from families who are seeking guidance and expressing concerns. Fauquier County Public Schools continues to work closely with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) in monitoring the status of the virus and is following current guidance from the VDH and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

While there is no need to cancel schools or social events at this time, FCPS recommends families and staff begin planning for a potential disruption to school operations. Similar to a weather day cancellation, families should consider child care plans in the event schools need to close.

In addition, we would like to remind individuals of the following precautions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to keep you and your family healthy:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue in the garbage, and wash your hands. If a tissue is unavailable, cough/sneeze into your flexed elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
• Stay home if you are sick. Do not send your student to school if they are feeling sick.

School nurses and custodians play a vital role in ensuring schools are healthy learning environments. Nurses are available to monitor student health in our schools, and our facilities department is committed to regular cleaning. To help minimize the spread of germs, FCPS custodians spent March 3rd disinfecting high-touch surfaces in schools. 

The health and well-being of our students and staff is always a top priority. FCPS will post updated information and recommendations on this site as additional information becomes available. 

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students and employees safe. 

Please continue to visit CDC’s COVID-19 website and VDH’s COVID-19 website for the most current information and see the following additional resources:

COVID-19 and children (from CDC)

Talking to Children About COVID-19 (from NASP)

Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (from NCTSN)