In the News

A Message from ACES about the 2019 Novel Corona Virus

January 30th, 2020

Dear ACES Families,

Many of you have probably already heard of the Novel Coronavirus (2019 nCoV.) There are presently no diagnosed cases in CT or the Northeast, but at ACES we are following the situation closely and are preparing to respond to new information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and our state and local health departments.

It may be reassuring to know that the recommendations for preventing spread of 2019 nCoV closely match ACES established protocol for preventing spread of other infectious diseases, including:

• Daily cleaning and disinfecting throughout the school environment, with attention to frequently touched surfaces
• Supporting frequent handwashing for students and staff
• Instructing students and staff to cover coughs and sneezes by coughing into elbow
• Requesting that sick students and staff remain at home

We ask that families support these efforts home by:

• Encouraging handwashing
• Teaching children to cough into elbow
• Keeping children home if they have any of these symptoms:
  • Temperature of 100º or more
  • Sore throat
  • Uncontrolled cough
  • Constant runny nose
  • Vomiting or diarrhea (not typically signs of flu or 2019 nCoV)
• Having a plan for picking your child up from school in the event of illness

Symptoms of flu and other respiratory illness are similar to those of 2019 nCoV. Diagnosis can only be made by testing. If you have concerns or questions about your child’s health, please contact his/her health care provider.

For more or updated information, consult the CDC and the CT government websites (Links below).

https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Press-Releases/2020/01-2020/Governor-Lamont-Tells-Residents-State-Closely-Monitoring-for-Possible-Cases-of-Coronavirus

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Thank you for your support,

William A. Rice
ACES Assistant Executive Director of Schools