Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
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March 20, 2020
UPDATE: The Governor’s statewide shelter in place does not stop schools from serving meals to students. Le Grand High School, Plainsburg School District, Planada School District, and Le Grand Elementary School District will continue to serve the children who rely on us.
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March 15, 2020
Merced County School Communities,
As a precautionary step to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and in consultation with Merced County school district leaders and health officials, we are supporting a suspension of school operations in Merced County effective Thursday, March 19 through Friday, April 17. By closing effective Thursday, this gives our families time to make arrangements for child care. We plan to reopen on April 20, but that decision will depend on the circumstances at the time.
This is not a decision we take lightly. We know that temporarily closing a school has a tremendous impact on our families. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority, and we have confidence that this is the proper precautionary course for Merced County. We are working with all of our local education agencies to support the continuity of learning and to ensure students have access to healthy meals.
Public health officials recommend that families make arrangements for child care during closure that avoids leaving children with elderly or those with compromised immune systems who are more vulnerable to the impact of the virus.
This is a dynamic situation where information and circumstances can evolve quickly. For the latest updates, visit the California Public Health Department’s 2019 novel coronavirus website at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019 and for local health updates visit the Merced County Health Department’s 2019 novel coronavirus website at: https://countyofmerced.com/coronavirus.
We also understand that implementing these changes with such limited notice is challenging and disruptive, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation. We are grateful to community members throughout Merced County for their tremendous prevention efforts during these challenging times.
Sincerely,
Steve Tietjen, Ed.D., Merced County Superintendent of Schools
Sandra Schiber, Ed.D., Atwater Elementary School District
Bliss Propes, Ballico-Cressey Elementary School District
Adolfo Melara, Delhi Unified School District
Justin Miller, Ed.D., Dos Palos-Oro Loma Joint Unified School District
Lori Gonzalez, El Nido Elementary School District
Bryan Ballenger, Ed.D., Gustine Unified School District
Isabel Cabral-Johnson, Hilmar Unified School District
Scott M. Borba, Le Grand Union Elementary School District
Donna Alley, Le Grand Union High School District
Andres Zamora, Livingston Union School District
Mark Marshall, Ed.D., Los Banos Unified School District
Mike Crass, McSwain Union Elementary School District
Al Rogers, Ed.D., Merced City School District
Richard Lopez, Merced River Union Elementary School District
Alan Peterson, Merced Union High School District
Kristi Kingston, Plainsburg Union Elementary School District
Jose Gonzalez, Planada Elementary School District
Alison Kahl, Snelling-Merced Falls Union Elementary School District
John Curry, Weaver Union School District
Randall Heller, Winton Elementary School District
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March 13, 2020 | 14:00
To Le Grand Students, Staff, Families, and Community,
This guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of corona-virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We will continue to provide the most up-to-date, accurate information as possible through our ParentSquare app and LGHS Website.
There was no new guidance given at this morning’s briefing regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) with Merced County Department of Public Health (MDPH) and there remains ZERO confirmed cases in Merced County. However, that doesn’t mean that our efforts relax even the slightest. LGUHSD will continue to use the utmost precaution as we continue forward.
With that in mind, we are encouraging school sites to utilize the practice of “social distancing.” This involves keeping a space of at least six feet between oneself and others at all times and refraining from gathering in large groups. This may not be feasible in a classroom setting, however, whenever possible it’s strongly advised. Also, sharing of property (cell phones, Chromebooks, etc.) and food is highly discouraged at this time and meetings should be held virtually whenever possible. A higher degree of social distancing is recommended for those who are medically fragile or with compromised immune systems.
There is word that Governor Newsom will be making an announcement today at some point, after which there may be more information to share.
Here is the updated list of counties with confirmed cases of community transmission as of March 13, 2020:
- Contra Costa
- Los Angeles
- Santa Clara
- San Francisco
- San Mateo
- Riverside
- Sacramento
- Solano
- Yolo
- Stanislaus
A reminder that the situation remains fluid and things could change after the Governor’s announcement. I am aware of the current school and school district closures around the state, and we continue to be in close contact with the MDPH regarding any decisions made.
Additionally, we have relaxed all attendance policies. If parents believe it’s best to keep their children at home, they are free to do so.
As a reminder: The California Department of Public Health recommends the following steps to prevent the transmission of all respiratory viruses:
- Washing hands with soap and water.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick are all ways to reduce the risk of infection with a number of different viruses.
- Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough
We will continue to provide the most up-to-date, accurate information, as we receive updates from the County Department of Health and California Department of Education. Please read the resources available on the links below.
Thank you for your patience and understanding regarding this situation; we will continue to implement precautionary protocols, such as this, to help ensure the safety of students and staff.
Sincerely,
Ms. Alley
Resource Links:
Merced County Health Department
Merced County Health Department
California Department of Public Health
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March 12, 2020 | 16:13
To Le Grand Students, Staff, Families, and Community,
Following this morning’s briefing regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) with Merced County Department of Public Health (MDPH) and in light of Governor Newsoms’s latest statement regarding public gatherings, these are the latest precautions LGUHSD will enact effective immediately.
The school will continue to be in session. All school events will be suspended through Spring Break for all students and staff. This includes, but is not limited to field trips, sporting events, rallies, community meetings, competitions, conferences, workshops (etc.). We will re-evaluate our status and operating procedures on an on-going basis. Be advised that events currently scheduled in late April are subject to possible cancellation.
It is vital that we follow these, and all other precautions listed in previous memos, to help combat the potential spread. Stanislaus County was added to the list of counties with confirmed cases of community transmission.
This guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of corona-virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We will continue to provide the most up-to-date, accurate information as possible through our ParentSquare app and LGHS Website.
The following counties have reported community transmission cases as of March 12, 2020:
| Contra Costa | Riverside |
Los Angeles |
| Santa Clara | Sacramento |
Stanislaus |
| San Francisco | Solano | San Mateo |
| Yolo |
We do not anticipate a complete closure of schools; however, we are planning for such an even so that we are prepared for it. I understand the anxiety this can cause students, staff, and families. It is imperative that our staff works together to lessen anxiety through education. We will continue to follow the guidance of the Merced Department of Public Health.
As a reminder: The California Department of Public Health recommends the following steps to prevent the transmission of all respiratory viruses:
● Washing hands with soap and water.
● Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
● Avoiding close contact with people who are sick are all ways to reduce the risk of infection with a number of different viruses.
● Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough
We will provide daily updates and accurate information as we receive them from the County Department of Health and California Department of Education. Please read the resources available on the links below.
Thank you for your patience and understanding regarding this situation; we will continue to implement precautionary protocols, such as this, to help ensure the safety of students and staff.
Sincerely,
Ms. Alley
Stay Healthy and Prevent the Spread of Illness
- Staying home if you are sick
- Remain at home until the fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
- Seek immediate medical care if symptoms become more severe (e.g., high fever or difficulty breathing.)
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose, eyes
- Wash hand frequently with soap and water
- Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects (i.e., phones, computers)
Know the Facts. Stop the Rumors.
Know the facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and help stop the spread of rumors. Discrimination based on race or ethnicity only makes it harder to keep everyone healthy. While COVID-19 may have started in China, having Chinese or Asian ancestry – or any other ancestry – does not make a person more vulnerable to or a cause of this illness. COVID-19 doesn't recognize race or ethnicity.
