COVID-19: Coronavirus Information

March 5, 2020 Update

Dear Maranatha Community,
 
In light of yesterday’s announcement by the LA County Department of Public Health (Public Health), we wanted to provide you updated information about how Maranatha is monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and working to ensure the health and safety of our school community. On Wednesday, Public Health and the LA County Board of Supervisors, along with the City of Pasadena, declared a public health emergency in response to increased spread of coronavirus across the country and 6 additional cases in LA County. Public Health stated that none of the new cases are from community spread, and all of these new cases were exposed to COVID-19 through close contact or travel.
 
These declarations will enhance these agencies’ ability to effectively manage their response to this emergent issue and will allow them even greater coordination to protect the public and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. This move also ensures they will have the necessary equipment and resources in place should the threat of COVID-19 escalate in LA County.
 
Here at Maranatha, we continue to actively monitor growing reports about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact both locally and globally. This includes keeping pace with guidelines and updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the LA County Department of Public Health on preventative and protective measures. If you would like additional information from these agencies, we have provided links to several resources for you below.
 
We strongly encourage every member of our school community to do the following to protect themselves and others from respiratory illnesses, including novel coronavirus:
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a household disinfectant cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).
  • Get a flu immunization to prevent influenza if you have not done so this season.
Our school administration has implemented measures to help prevent exposure to coronavirus on our campus, beginning with asking our students and staff to refrain from overseas travel for the remainder of the school year. Students who traveled internationally after January 6, but prior to this restriction, were required to provide a doctor’s release before returning to school. We have also instituted a daily regimen of disinfection of all tables and desks on campus. Additionally, signs will be placed in all campus restrooms encouraging students to wash their hands frequently and practice good health habits.
 
In moving forward, as a precautionary measure, when guests visit campus during the school day and check-in at the Student Center front desk, in order to be permitted on campus they will be required to sign a statement declaring that they have not traveled outside the United States within the previous 14 days or knowingly been exposed to anyone diagnosed with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Additionally, students will be sent home who exhibit the following health conditions:
  • A temperature of 100 degrees or above (students must be fever-free without fever-reducing medication for at least 24 hours before returning to school)
  • Uncontrollable cough or wheezing or shortness of breath
  • Productive moist cough (spewing respiratory droplets) – even without fever
We are working to finalize plans to ensure academic instruction continues for our students in the event of any mandatory measures taken by Public Health officials that would impact our students and school community.
 
At Maranatha, we want to continue to ensure a welcoming environment for all students. This includes equally respecting every member of our student body, both domestic and international, as we are all children of God. We will continue to update you as this situation unfolds. In the meantime, we ask that you continue to pray for the well-being of our school and for those who are personally impacted by this global issue.
 
Sincerely,
 
John Rouse
Head of School
 
 
SOURCES: Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus:
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