COVID-19 Update 3.13.2020

Dear Granite School District Patrons:

First and foremost, as a school system, we exist to support our families and communities. Many of you have reached out seeking permission to keep your children home. This is NOT our decision, but yours as parents and families. We are committed to support you and your decisions by continuing to provide educational opportunities for those who are currently attending and those who remain home. We have been given guidance to schools and teachers to be flexible regarding absenteeism and support all students with opportunities for distance learning and online options in addition to current in-person instruction. As such, if you feel your children should stay home, please do so and we will support your decisions.

There is some confusion regarding the guidance that came from the Governor and his task force in yesterday’s press conference and what was said later in the same press conference. Below are quotes from that press event with specific guidance to schools from State Superintendent Sydnee Dickson.

“We want to make sure that we do not close schools unless there is an imminent threat to our children and the adults who serve them,” …Our situation is different than that of higher education. To all district and charter schools: Please do not attempt to close a school unless your local health officer is directing you to do so. Closing a school out of anxiety or fear, and not because a health officer deems it necessary, can have ripple effects, not just throughout your immediate community, but throughout the entire state.” -Sydnee Dickson, State Superintendent

As of this morning, our guidance from the Salt Lake County Health Department indicates that there is NO imminent threat to students and staff and we should remain open. Their guidance goes on to indicate that , “NOT having children in school may increase community exposure, as those children may visit entertainment and other community venues.”

We are hearing rumors nearly from every community that there are confirmed cases in their specific schools. This is FALSE. As of this morning at 10 a.m., there are NO confirmed cases in Salt Lake County. Statewide there are 5 confirmed cases (Davis: 1, Weber-Morgan: 1, Summit: 1, Unknown [Jazz players]: 2). There is no confirmation of “Community Transmission,” at this time. Community transmission is defined as cases popping up with no discoverable source. Community transmission is the trigger for the health department to direct lots of restrictive steps. It is a trigger that has not been pulled, but we are prepared for it should it come to that.

The Health Department has asked us to emphasize several messages as follows:

If you are ill with respiratory symptoms, don’t visit a hospital or clinic without calling first to receive instructions, or consider utilizing a telemedicine service. If you are healthy but have questions or concerns, DO NOT visit a healthcare facility—“worried well” individuals are flooding healthcare providers with COVID-19 concerns, and exhausting health care resources for those who are truly in need. Instead, call 1-800-456-7707 with questions or concerns or go to www.coronavirus.utah.gov.

CLARIFICATIONS:

Yesterday we reported a mixed message regarding the transmission of coronavirus. We want to clarify that information and regret any confusion we may have caused.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick? While the risk of transmission is very low for individuals who are not demonstrating symptoms, it is still possible. Please see CDC information on this topic here— https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html

This continues to be a very dynamic situation which could change rapidly. We will continue to provide updates as appropriate.

Granite School District