Shelby County Schools (SCS) is working closely with the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) to make sure families and staff have facts about COVID-19 (novel coronavirus.) Families and employees are encouraged to review these accurate facts from the SCHD about how the virus spreads and recommended steps for prevention. According to the CDC, there is no evidence that children are more susceptible. Families and staff can take steps as they would to prevent spread of flu or the common cold, including frequent hand-washing, the use of hand sanitizer, staying home when ill and covering the mouth/nose when coughing or sneezing.

The Health Department has launched a hotline number for questions about the novel coronavirus: (901) 692-7523. The number is staffed during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After-hours calls will be returned on the next business day. For more information about novel coronavirus, visit: www.shelbytnhealth.com or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

View this video message from Superintendent Ray with additional facts about COVID-19 and how SCS is addressing it.

Follow these five steps to wash your hands the right way from the CDC. Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Shelby County Schools announced its decision to suspend all SCS-sanctioned international travel in light of recent developments regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Accordingly, all previously approved international trips are at this moment revoked. This decision was not taken lightly, and we are fully aware of the inconvenience this will cause. However, we believe this decision is in the best interest of our employees and students.

We also recognize that parents and students may have personal upcoming preplanned international trips scheduled. We encourage our employees and families to follow the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention related to travel. You can visit the CDC’s travel information website for details about public health management decisions for people with potential travel-related exposures to COVID-19, including risk levels, layovers, and cruises.

SCS follows these cleaning precautions to help prevent the spread of communicable illnesses in our schools:

As with all communicable diseases, SCS continues to follow the recommended guidance of the SCHD to ensure the health and safety of our schools. Additionally, in order to be prepared for efficient prioritization of cleaning procedures, SCS Custodial Operations have established uniform cleaning procedures throughout the District. Through consistent procedural trainings, everyone has a basic understanding of what steps and products are to be used. This ensures proper cleaning regardless of which type of facility a custodian is handling. Critical response teams are deployed when necessary, and procedures and guidelines are provided to custodial employees are each location to ensure proper steps are followed.

• Custodial cleaning vendors clean, mop, vacuum, disinfect and sanitize all affected areas.
• Custodial staff wipes down high-touch areas daily (ex: desktops, tabletops, doorknobs, handrails, handles, etc.).
• Special emphasis is given to SPED, Pre-K and Early Childhood areas.
• All staff, faculty and students are encouraged to wash hands (primary) and use sanitizer (secondary).
• Schools are encouraged to post signage about washing hands to prevent the spreading of germs or diseases.