Preventing and Minimizing Spread of Disease March 3, 2020
7 Adar 5780
March 3, 2020
Dear ICJA Family:
As you may have heard, this morning, two Jewish days schools in New York canceled school as a precautionary measure because of a suspected case of coronavirus in their community. We pray that all of their students, staffs, and families remain healthy and safe and applaud them for taking swift action in consultation with the New York Board of Health.
We also want to assure you that ICJA is in contact with our local health department. If G-d forbid, there was ever a concern that would arise; we would take all recommended actions to keep our community healthy and safe. In the meantime, please remember these important steps to help reduce the risk of infectious disease:
Preventing and Minimizing the Spread of Infectious Disease
The most effective way to stay healthy and minimize the spread of infectious disease is to follow basic health best practices and infection prevention as follows:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
o If a tissue is not available, it is best to sneeze or cough into one’s elbow to keep the cough or sneeze from spreading and to avoid adding germs to your hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces.
- Go to the doctor if an illness does not clear up in a few days or if you suspect a viral infection, such as the flu. Please share the confirmed diagnosis with the school nurse for tracking and follow-up purposes. Please note that symptoms for COVID-19 can include fever, cough or shortness of breath.
- Students and faculty should not come to school with symptoms of illness including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and upper respiratory infection.
LAM
Rabbi Leonard A. Matanky, Ph.D.
Dean, Ida Crown Jewish Academy