School Leaders Respond to Coronavirus Concerns

Dear Coffee County, Manchester City, and Tullahoma City Schools Families and Staff:
Thursday, Governor Bill Lee made the announcement that the first confirmed case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is in Williamson County. We are currently monitoring this situation and we are also following guidance from the Tennessee Department of Education, the Tennessee Department of Health, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). There are no cases in Coffee County so far, however, it is important for you to know that we are taking a proactive approach in alerting our families.
According to the Center for Disease Control, there is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID -19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. It is important that we operate on a system of facts in cases such as this and not let fear or social media drive the discussion and decision-making process.
We are making a concerted effort with our custodial staffs each day to wipe down all furniture, door knobs, and other areas with which students and teachers come in contact. It is also important for teachers and families to discuss basic hygiene practices with their students to prevent the spread of germs in our schools.
Below are some general helpful tips from the CDC we can utilize to help ensure personal health: – Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
– If you are sick with flu symptoms, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
– Cough into the sleeve of your shirt or use tissues that are then properly disposed of after use. – Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
– CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
– Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
Additional information can be found at this link, https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/cedep/novelcoronavirus/COVID-19-Facilitv- Visitor-Guidance.pdf
We will continue to closely monitor this situation.
The letter was signed by all 3 directors of schools. Charles Lawson Coffee County, Dr Joey Vaughn Manchester City and Scott Hargrove Interim Director Tullahoma City.