Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Posted on 03/06/2020
handwashingAs of yesterday, March 5, there were two "presumptive positive" cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) reported in Colorado. One of these cases involved an older, adult woman in Douglas County who was exposed during an international cruise. Click here to read the press release from Douglas County Government. According to the Tri-County Health Department, this individual is currently isolated at her home and has had limited public contact, including with her family members and healthcare providers. Tri-County Health Department staff is monitoring people who may have been exposed.

Reports are now coming in that two additional cases may have been confirmed in Denver.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) continues to reiterate that risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is based on exposure. Like any other virus, no identity, community, ethnic, or racial group in Colorado is more at risk for getting or spreading COVID-19.

Understand the risk (source: CDPHE)

Under current circumstances, certain people will have an increased risk of infection:
  • People who have traveled to areas where widespread community transmission is occurring.
  • People who had direct close contact with someone who was confirmed to have COVID-19.
  • Not all coronaviruses are COVID-19. There are many other kinds of common coronaviruses currently circulating in Colorado and the U.S. that cause respiratory illness. There also are many other kinds of respiratory illnesses (such as colds and flu) circulating right now.
  • Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
The Douglas County School District (DCSD) continues to be proactive in doing everything we can to minimize the risk of coronavirus in our schools.
  • Our building engineers are checking supplies of hand soap and hand sanitizer throughout our schools multiple times per day, and refilling as needed.
  • We are reiterating to our school leaders and teachers the importance of allowing students time to wash their hands with soap and water, especially before meals and snacks, and after recess.
  • DCSD continues stringent cleaning practices at all of our district schools and facilities.
  • DCSD continues to be in close contact with Tri-County Health Department and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
Will DCSD offer remote learning for students?

In the case of a major Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, DCSD would follow the Tri-County Health Department’s lead on any quarantines, closures, or other health measures needed. Our focus would first be on ensuring the safety of students and staff, and then on how education would continue, whether that be via electronic/remote systems, making up missed school days at a later date or other options that may arise as we work with the Colorado Department of Education.

What safeguards are in place to make sure people who travel over spring break are not returning to school with the virus?

As this is an evolving situation, we will continue to monitor the recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). DCSD students and staff returning from travel to areas with community spread of COVID-19 must follow the guidance provided by the CDC, based on the risk-assessment level for the area they have traveled to. More information about COVID-19 information for travel can be found on the CDC website.

How you can help (source: CDPHE)

Everyone has a part to play in slowing the spread of this virus.

Stay informed with current information from reliable sources

As new information emerges from across the globe, seeking and sharing accurate information during a time of heightened concern is one of the best things we can do.
Practice everyday healthy actions
There is no vaccine for COVID-19, but there are many actions you can take to protect yourself from getting COVID-19. These are the same actions that can protect you from getting any respiratory illness.
  • 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. If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home when you are sick, and keep your children at home when they are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or sleeve. If you use a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
We will continue to update families and staff as we learn more about the potential progression. As a community, we must work together for the safety and well-being of all in our DCSD family.

Sincerely,

Douglas County School District
Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.

In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District's Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Aaron Henderson, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, [email protected], 303-387-0127.

Outside Agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records which have been collected by Douglas County School District related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for the period of five (5) years after special education services have ended for the student. Special education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, or completes his/her educational program at age 21, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Douglas County School District's intent to destroy the special education records of students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records by requesting the records at this link ( Douglas County School District Transcripts and Records Requests ).