Local School Leaders Issue Joint Statement On Spreading Illness

In light of the Iowa Board of Regents decision to have the state's three universities move to online course work only following spring break due to the coronavirus, officials at Cedar Valley-area school districts want to assure families and communities that normal operations will continue for the foreseeable future.

Administrators from seven districts issued a joint press release Wednesday, stating that health officials have asserted that the risk to students and staff is minimal at this time and they do not believe that the current situation warrants closing schools. The press release was signed by Dr. Jane Lindaman, Waterloo Schools Superintendent; Dr. Andy Pattee, Cedar Falls Schools Superintendent; Tom Novotney, Cedar Valley Catholic Schools Chief Administrator; Justin Stockdale, Dike-New Hartford Schools Superintendent; Dr. Tim Cronin, Dunkerton Schools Superintendent; Dr. Anthony Voss, Hudson Schools Superintendent; and Travis Fleshner, Union Community Schools Superintendent.

Jointly, the school administrators said they are working to be proactive and preventative, while operating in a state of prepardness. According to press release, local education leaders are in constant communication with Black Hawk County and state health officials concerning the COVID-19. If health officials determine there is a need for school closures or other action, the area districts plan to coordinate to respond.

To prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19, the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following actions:

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe