Dear Alee Academy Families:
The health and safety of our students is our top priority. Because of the state and national attention focused on the Novel (New) Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, we want to update you in a continuing effort to protect our students and staff.
As of March 4, 2020, Governor DeSantis confirmed two cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Hillsborough and Manatee counties and one visitor from another state whose status is “presumptive positive” (pending confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Five additional Florida residents have tested positive for the virus, but they are out of the country, where they will remain until healthy.
The Governor states that the risk to Florida is considered low. At this time, it is important to listen to facts and not respond to fear.
Alee Academy is closely monitoring the progress COVID-19 and will follow the recommendations of the CDC, Florida Department of Health, the county health department, and Lake County School District. Presently, we are ensuring all bathrooms are continuously stocked with soap and paper towels and encouraging students and staff to wash hands frequently. Extra hand sanitizer is available in all classrooms and throughout the building.
If you or your family members are planning to travel outside the country during the upcoming spring break, experts recommend that you monitor coronavirus conditions at the country of destination and follow tips to stay safe. For travel information and advisories, visit the CDC’s travel page at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
Meanwhile, parents and students are encouraged to do these things to help prevent the spread of illness at home and on campus:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wash your hands frequently 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. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- 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).
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Anyone who believes they have symptoms associated with the Coronavirus, including a dry cough and fever combined with difficulty breathing, the elderly and people with compromising health conditions, or anyone exposed to the Coronavirus should contact their health care provider immediately. CALL AHEAD for instructions. This will allow your healthcare provider or hospital take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
Important Resources For Families
The Florida Department of Health has a dedicated call center for COVID-19 questions and concerns. The hotline is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call: (866) 779-6121, or email [email protected] .
Florida Department of Health’s Coronavirus website. CLICK HERE to access.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus (COVID-19). CLICK HERE to access.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s FAQs: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and Children .
The National Association of School Psychologists and National Association of School Nurses have just released a guide for parents to talk with their children about the coronavirus. CLICK HERE to access Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource.
We will continue to update our families as information becomes available.
As always, thank you for your cooperation and support.
Respectfully,
Robin M. Valentino
Director