ISD 518 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
Independent School District 518 Statement on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Independent School District 518 is staying up to date with the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak occurring throughout the world. The Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Health are holding weekly meetings with all school administrative officials to bring the latest news and recommendations to school systems throughout the state.
Currently, ISD 518 is following all recommendations from these entities including the upkeep of general health and safety practices such as routine cleaning of frequently used surfaces as well as the promotion of hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer.
The Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Health are currently not recommending postponing or cancelling any school time, extra-curricular events, or other gatherings. District 518 will continue to monitor the situation and stay up to date with the latest information.
The most helpful things families within District 518 can do at this time are follow proper hand washing techniques and keep students home if they show symptoms of illness. Symptoms that would be signs a student should stay home from school include fever, frequent cough, frequent shortness of breath, or any symptom that inhibits their ability to perform regular tasks. These symptoms may not be caused by Coronavirus (COVID-19), but would be reasons for a student to not attend school in all circumstances.
ISD 518 has a plan for events such as the outbreak of disease. The district protocols for a pandemic can be found in the District Crisis Management Plan. This plan may be viewed on the ISD 518 website. These protocols were reviewed, revised, and approved by the school board in the fall of 2019 and continue to be reviewed and updated. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is monitoring, examining, and addressing the risks of Coronavirus (COVID-19) from individuals who are entering or returning to the United States or who otherwise may present a health risk. District 518 has been informed that the CDC or another official organization will be contacting schools if they may be at risk. At this time, all Minnesota school districts are taking their directives from the Minnesota Department of Health and the CDC to address any possible issues related to Coronavirus (COVID-19).