During the weekend of March 1, we learned a North Whidbey Middle School staff member’s spouse was a first responder at last week’s COVID-19, Coronavirus outbreak at the Life Care Center in Kirkland.  The individual was notified this weekend that they would have to be quarantined in Kirkland with the other first responders, despite displaying no symptoms of the virus. 

We immediately shared this information with the Island County Public Health. Since the staff member had been in contact with their spouse prior to the quarantine, Public Health officials recommended that our staff member stay home for the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended 14 days. The staff member and spouse are not known to have the virus and do not display any symptoms. This is purely precautionary. 

As a proactive measure, our schools are re-emphasizing with our students the importance of hand-washing. This is the best protection against disease transmission. The Department of Health also recommends that students cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue and immediately wash or sanitize them after disposing of the tissue. Students should also avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible.  Please visit with your child to make sure they understand the importance of these practices.

In addition, every classroom has disinfecting supplies and staff are being instructed to use these throughout the day. Our custodial staff will be regularly sanitizing hard surfaces students routinely contact and taking other measures to keep our schools clean.

Island County Public Health recommends that if children, staff or volunteers display any signs of being sick, they do not come to school until their symptoms subside for at least 24 hours. Thank you in advance for following these recommendations. As always, if you have any concerns about your child’s or your own health, please consult your primary health provider. 

We are in regular communication with Island County Public Health and will continue to monitor the situation. We urge you to reference the following materials for the most accurate and current information about the virus and what you can do to protect yourself and your family:

• Island County Public Health
• Washington State Department of Health - School Resources
• Washington State Department of Health 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• WA State Department of Health novel coronavirus call center: 1-800-525-0127