The following is a digital release from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction news information service:
The N.C. Department of Public Instruction has received numerous inquiries from schools and parents regarding the coronavirus and its potential impact on schools. DPI is aware of the concerns about this developing public health emergency. While the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this particular coronavirus a public health emergency, it is important to stay focused on the facts surrounding the virus.
Thus far there are no cases in North Carolina. The flu infects and results in many more deaths every year than we are currently discussing with 2019-nCoV. The symptoms presented look much like a cold or early flu, and school nurses and schools are being advised to follow their same policies and procedures in place for responding to other communicable diseases.
Schools should be continuing with their regular reminders about cough and hand hygiene for students and following their district policies for those determined to be ill at school, regardless of cause. Schools and districts are also encouraged to consult with their local health department’s communicable disease staff or health director as an important resource. DPI is in close contact with NC Public Health and the Department of Health and Human Services and will be discussing and planning for the possibility of additional steps if the situation changes.
DHHS has provided this information:
- Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in North Carolina.
- For more information on COVID-19, please visit the CDC’s website at cdc.gov/coronavirus. North Carolina resources can be found on the Division of Public Health website at
ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus.
If members of the public have questions or concerns, call the COVID-19 Helpline toll free at 1-866-462-3821. To submit questions online, go to www.ncpoisoncontrol.org and
select “chat.”
Additional and up-to-date information can be found here:
https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/2019nCoV.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/index.html