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COVID-19: Paso schools prepare for possible closures, taking extra precautions 

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Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Superintendent Curt Dubost sent notification to local parents and students on Wednesday, reassuring them that the risk of infection by the COVID-19 coronavirus remains low and that schools are taking extra precaution to sanitize all classrooms and offices frequently.

Dubost said planning is taking place in the event that public health officials request that the district implement plans for social distancing or school closures.

Superintendent Curt Dubost writes:

Paso Robles Joint Unified School District is committed to maintaining the health and safety of staff and students and has been monitoring the coronavirus (now named COVID-19) situation.

Curt DuBost

Paso Robles Schools Superintendent Curt Dubost

At this time the health risk to the general public in California remains low, however, the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District is taking precautions to prevent the spread of all infectious diseases, including coronavirus. In addition, we have developed contingency plans in the event of further spread of COVID-19 and are in communication with local education and health officials.

Paso Robles School District is taking extra precaution to sanitize all classrooms, offices, and frequently touched spaces until health agencies downgrade the risk recommendation. This procedure has shown to be an effective strategy for preventing the spread of infectious diseases, including coronavirus COVID-19. Health staff will be monitoring students and staff who may have fevers and/or coughs or have traveled to identified countries. They will determine when students and staff need to be sent home and when to contact public health officials.

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) always recommends daily preventative activities to help prevent the spread of viruses, including:

• Stay at home when you are sick
• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces
• Encourage the flu vaccine for those who haven’t had it this season

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses including COVID-19 coronavirus.

Additional planning is taking place in the event that public health officials request that the district implement plans for social distancing or school closures. Social distancing practices might include avoiding large crowds, maintaining personal space and eliminating personal contact such as shaking hands. Discussing social distancing with children will help them to understand these practices. Families may also prepare by discussing possible child care alternatives in the event of a school closure.

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The news staff of the Paso Robles Daily News wrote or edited this story from local contributors and press releases. The news staff can be reached at info@pasoroblesdailynews.com.