An Update from APTS Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Date: March 5, 2020
To: Parents and Guardians
From: Dr. Howard Johnson, Director of Special Services
Re: Coronavirus

As you may well know by now, there has been an outbreak of the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, characterized by “fever, cough, and shortness of breath” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Originating in Wuhan, China, the disease has spread to a number of countries, including the United States. Currently, approximately 15 states are treating coronavirus patients and that number is expected to increase. As this virus spreads through the air from an infected person who coughs or sneezes, it is very important to be mindful of it and exercise care. The good news is that APTS has been very proactive in taking measures in prevention at our campuses. We began immediately educating our students and staff based on information from our local and state Health Departments and the CDC.

Other measures in place include instruction in how to properly handwash; increasing hand sanitizer dispensers in each room/classroom; and deep cleaning protocols for each campus. We will especially monitor student absences and request that you inform us immediately should you observe any respiratory-like symptoms from your child or other family members in the home. While our student is at school, our staff are vigorously encouraging and monitoring frequent handwashing, covering every cough or sneeze and cleaning classroom table surfaces more frequently.

To ensure continuity of the practice between home, school and the greater community, the following is a list of advised precautions:

           1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are
                not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
           2. Avoid any touching of eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
           3. Avoid close contact with people who are visibly sick.
           4. PLEASE stay home when you are sick.
           5. Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
           6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
           7. Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask:

• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
• Face masks should be used for health workers and care providers in close settings.

Also, APTS anticipates supporting our students and their families at multiple levels throughout this time. Any updates around school closures will be based on recommendations from the local education agencies (LEAs); and at the direction of local, state and/or federal government entities.

APTS will also review and assess possible closings based on the frequency and severity of illness(es) as well as the availability of resources.

Should you have any questions, do give us a call at 703-348-5361. Thank you.
Cc: APTS Central Administration

You can stay updated on the latest information about the virus in the United States and in the state of
Virginia by accessing the website links following:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
and
http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/novel-coronavirus/