Coronavirus Information
Download Letter from Superintendent
Dear PCS Families and Staff:
Many people have questions about the outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus called COVID-19. Specifically, the questions have revolved around the effect on schools. We have been monitoring COVID-19 closely over the last few weeks and stand ready to implement any specific guidance received by local or national health officials.
As of March 3, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Virginia. Pittsylvania County’s Health Department is actively monitoring the situation in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. PCS staff members are working closely with the Health Department and the State as well to stay up-to-date on the best ways to keep students and staff safe. For now, we are following their lead and recommendations. The Health Department recommends the following preventive measures — the same as you would for colds and flu:
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Protect yourself and others by washing your hands often with soap and water for twenty (20) seconds; covering your cough and sneeze; avoiding contact to eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
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If you or your child are sick, stay home.
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Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home. Keep enough food, regular prescription drugs and other necessities on hand in case you need to stay home and are not able to go out easily.
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Frequently clean all commonly touched work surfaces, work areas, and equipment (e.g., telephones, doorknobs, lunch areas, countertops, copiers, etc.).
The PCS maintenance department has been working with schools to ensure proper supplies are on hand for school cleaning and that school custodians are cleaning frequently touched surfaces. PCS maintenance staff uses special cleaning equipment in schools when a larger than average number of students are absent. This equipment sanitizes all surfaces in the schools. We remind parents that if your student is sick, please contact your health care provider, keep your child home from school, and when possible, notify the school.
PCS will continue to stay informed and work collaboratively with the Pittsylvania County’s Health Department as well as with the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. PCS has a team that is updating detailed plans for operational and instructional support should this virus impact our area. We will continue to communicate updates on a regular basis as needed.
Please visit the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for additional information.
Thank you for your ongoing support of PCS.
Mark R. Jones
Division Superintendent