WRENTHAM — Superintendent Paul Zinni and the King Philip Regional School District wish to provide the latest verified information and the latest preparedness and prevention steps being taken as the district responds to the worldwide novel coronavirus situation.
There are currently no confirmed or presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Wrentham, Plainville or Norfolk.
District leadership has been made aware of one student who is in self-quarantine, per the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after returning from international travel.
That student will remain in self-quarantine and has been practicing social distancing until a period of 14 days has elapsed since their return to the U.S from a country identified by the CDC as having a Level 3 Travel Notice. The district has been informed that this student is well at this time and is not showing any symptoms of COVID-19.
The district wishes to reiterate that it is taking steps and precautions in accordance with advice received by the municipal public health officials in its three communities as well as the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The school district does not issue orders to self-quarantine. That decision would need to come from the local or state boards of health or a personal primary care physician or healthcare provider.
King Philip’s facilities staff, led by Director Joe Zahner, is taking advantage of the empty school buildings this weekend to conduct a thorough cleaning of the district’s facilities, including the use of electrostatic spray machines, which are particularly effective at controlling the spread of viruses. This action is being done out of an abundance of caution and mirrors efforts underway at many school districts across the nation.
“We have an excellent facilities staff, and its members take great pride in ensuring safe, clean and healthy buildings for our students, faculty and staff,” Superintendent Zinni said. “I want to thank our staff for taking the time this weekend to thoroughly clean the school buildings.”
According to Director Zahner, 11 facilities staffers reported to both school buildings on Saturday and cleaned and disinfected the buildings, including desks, chairs, light switches, door pushes, pencil sharpeners, fitness equipment, lockers, conference tables, band rooms, lavatories, faculty rooms, offices, all floors and more.
King Philip is also coordinating with the elementary school districts and Holmes Bus Service to ensure that all school buses are thoroughly cleaned this weekend.
The risk to residents of contracting COVID-19 remains low, according to the DPH.
Local, state and federal health officials are encouraging residents to take the following precautions to prevent infectious diseases, such as the flu and COVID-19, from spreading:
- Wash hands frequently, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- When sick yourself, stay home to protect others and practice social distancing.
- Always cover your cough or sneeze.
Anyone who is experiencing a fever and respiratory illness and is concerned they have either come into contact with the virus or traveled to an affected country within the last 14 days is advised to contact their primary health care provider.
For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.
Additional updates will be released if additional relevant information becomes available from the King Philip Regional School District or any of its three member communities.
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