(03/11/2020) Coronavirus information update on March 11, 2020

As the concern regarding the spread of the novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, increases worldwide and in our communities, Anoka-Hennepin Schools is prepared to reduce the spread of illness and protect the safety of students, staff and visitors in our buildings. 

This is work that will require all of us pulling together to ensure the best results for our community. Anoka-Hennepin Schools will follow the expert guidance from the United States Centers for Disease Control, Minnesota Department of Health and county public health. MDH continues to stress common-sense illness prevention strategies such as staying home when sick, covering your cough and sneezes, and frequent hand washing. Additional information is shared on our COVID-19: Coronavirus resource webpage at ahschools.us/COVID-19.

Anoka-Hennepin is taking action. Our district has activated a 25-member pandemic response team to coordinate operations and prevention systems, an effort led by the district’s health coordinator Cindy Hiltz. This team has reviewed district practices with the goal of limiting introduction and spread of COVID-19, novel (New) Coronavirus during the school day. The prevention system includes:

• Use of hospital grade disinfectant in common areas such as bathrooms, drinking fountains and railings. an industrial grade product that effectively kills viruses left on surfaces. 
• Preparing food service operations to limit student touch of utensils and food products with bare hands. Additional information will be shared should these strategies be placed in operation.
• Reviewing student trips to international and domestic locations to comply with CDC guidelines regarding travel advisories. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices.

In the event that COVID-19 becomes an issue that impacts the school day, schools will use the communications systems in place to widely share information with staff and families.

The district will continue to monitor the situation and keep parents/guardians, staff and visitors informed with updated information. Learn more about COVID-19 and its status in Minnesota on the Minnesota Department of Health website or by calling the MDH hotline at 651-201-3920. Parents/guardians are also encouraged to contact the school nurse at your child's school as a resource or submit questions by email at health@ahschools.us. 

Thank you for your attention to this message and your ongoing support of our students and schools. 

David Law, superintendent

Anoka-Hennepin Schools

Coronavirus information on Feb. 27, 2020

The district has been receiving requests for information regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) and understand staff, parents, and students may have questions and concerns regarding the disease. Anoka-Hennepin Schools has a coordinated management planning effort to guide action steps in situations such as a COVID-19 outbreak or other community health events.

The district health services coordinator is monitoring this situation and will provide guidance on potential next steps, if needed.

District officials are in contact with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and district and school protocol will follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

At this point, the recommendation is as with other respiratory infectious viruses such as influenza.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Handwashing instructions from the MDH. 
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
• No facemask use is recommended for well people in the U.S. currently.
• No preparation steps for parents/guardians or staff are being advised regarding school closures at this time.
• Stop the spread of germs information from the CDC.

In the event that COVID-19 becomes an issue that impacts the school day, schools will use the communications systems in place to widely share information with the public and staff.

The district will coordinate with state and county resources on an infectious disease mitigation plan if it is deemed necessary. This plan uses both public health and school nurses as part of the response plan.

Anoka-Hennepin Schools is prepared to take action to protect the safety of students and staff.