Battle Ground Public Schools

Infectious Diseases Information

Updated April 6: All schools CLOSED through the end of the school year in response to Governor Inslee’s order

Coronavirus

The health of our children is important to all of us. As the coronavirus spreads in Washington state, Battle Ground Public Schools wants to assure families that it is closely monitoring the situation and working directly with Clark County Public Health and the Washington State Department of Health as it does for all matters concerning public health.

How it spreads
Clark County Public Health says that without close contact with an infected person, people are at extremely low risk of contracting COVID-19. It is spread through close contact (within 6 feet) and via respiratory droplets when someone coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza spreads.

Schools closed through April 24

To help our state and nation slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Battle Ground Public Schools will close all schools after today through the end of the school year. This directive is from Governor Jay Inslee and applies to all schools in the state of Washington.

The team actively reviewing coronavirus developments includes the superintendent; staff from our communications, emergency management, health, facilities, technology, student services, and special needs departments; and school principals. We work with county and state health agencies to determine when and if measures need to be taken.

What families can do

The state of Washington is encouraging everyone to stay home (if you can) and practice social distancing.

Clark County Public Health advises that everyday practices to prevent colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses can also protect people against coronaviruses, including COVID-19. The agency recommends people take the following actions to keep themselves healthy:

• Stay home when you are sick. If you are showing signs of a respiratory illness (fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath), stay home until you have been fever-free for at least 72 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms are better.
  Read Battle Ground Public Schools’ Health & Attendance brochure. (Spanish) (Russian).
  When you report your student’s absence, please provide details about your child’s specific symptoms.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched.
• Get the flu shot.

Talk with your family
Parents, please talk with your children about proper hand washing and hygiene techniques.

Talking With Children during infectious disease outbreaks from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is a good resource for talking with your children about a disease outbreak.

Thank you

Thank you for your support as we work together to keep our students healthy.