While the Miller Place School District does not specifically have a confirmed case of COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in our District, we are aware of concerns in the community about the spread of this relatively new virus. 

The District is closely monitoring this rapid changing national and international situation and following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Suffolk County Department of Health and the New York State Education Department.

Based on recent reports, COVID-19 is not actively circulating in New York State at this time (February 28, 2020). If the District becomes aware that a student or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19, we will immediately notify staff and parents/guardians. If a student or staff member shows respiratory symptoms, we will follow our current practices for handling respiratory illnesses, subject to any additional guidance forthcoming.

The District has infectious disease protocols in place and has been taking steps, such as cleaning and disinfecting throughout its schools, to minimize the spread of viruses and a variety of other illnesses. 

There are a number of steps that students, staff and community members can take to minimize the spread of all respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, according to the state Department of Health:  

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Heavily soiled hands should be washed.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If anyone begins showing symptoms of a respiratory disease and suspect it may be COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider. Before going to your healthcare provider’s office, inform them that a case of COVID-19 is suspected, and follow their advice.

The District has been advised, Local Health departments will contact us if a suspected or known COVID-19 case emerges in our school comminute.

The resources below are provided to assist our school community during this potential health emergency.

Parent Letter from the State Education Department 
NYSED Parent Letter

CDC Information 

Coronavirus Situation Summary - February 25, 2020 
Stop the Spread of Germs 
What the Public Should Do 

What is the Stigma and What Causes it?
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fstigma-faq.html 

CDC's dedicated 2019-nCoV website 
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html 

Prevention: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#prevention 

Prevention, Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html 

Additional Resources 

NYSDOH Coronavirus Summary 
NYSDOH Contact List by County 

How to Talk to Your Children about Coronavirus 
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus

NYSDOH's dedicated 2019-nCoV website 
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/ 

NYSDOH directory of local health departments 
https://www.health.ny.gov/contact/contact_information/

New York State Center for School Health website 
https://www.schoolhealthny.com/ 

Coronavirus Hotline
1-888-364-3065