Dear Families,

As you have likely heard, yesterday, March 10, Governor Whitmer announced that there are now two presumptive cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan. As the Governor shared, the samples have been sent to the CDC for confirmation. Both cases are in the metro-Detroit area, and those affected are receiving treatment. At this time, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Livingston County. Obviously, this is a very fluid and rapidly evolving situation.

The other county superintendents and I have been in constant contact with the Livingston County Health Department. We were reassured that, at this time, we do not need to take any additional actions relating to COVID-19. We will remain in close contact with the Livingston County Health Department to check-in, receive updates, and ensure that each school district is following the same practices.

While the Livingston County Health Department has indicated that our current cleaning procedures are adequate, out of an abundance of caution, we have developed a schedule with our custodial contractor for ongoing deep cleaning at each building. This will include the use of an electrostatic sprayer, that delivers disinfecting solutions to the front, back and sides of surfaces for superior coverage and enhanced germ protection.

We will continue to work in partnership and take all directions relating to COVID-19 from our local, state and federal health experts. Again, medical experts indicate that the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID -19 are the same recommendations for preventing the spread of the flu, which include:

Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Staying home when you are sick
Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
Washing 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

Please help us reinforce these practices by reviewing them with your child(ren) on a regular basis. In addition, until otherwise communicated, we ask students and adults to discontinue close contact (handshakes, etc.) with each other during our school activities.

Lastly, we have created a page on our website to host our updates, resources from our health department, and a forthcoming summary of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). That page can be found at HowellSchools.com/COVID-19. Again, this is a very fluid and rapidly evolving situation and we are working with all appropriate local, state, and federal health officials on the matter. We will update you accordingly.

Sincerely,

Erin J. MacGregor, Ed.S.

Superintendent

Howell Public Schools