DSBN schools are on high alert amidst the COVID-19 epidemic and have ordered extra cleaning measures of interiors and school buses.
“Things like door handles, desk tops and handrails are cleaned with a greater frequency as well as toys, musical instruments and computers,” spokesperson Kim Yielding tells Thorold News.
Student transportation is being wiped down on surfaces like windows and seats.
Yielding also says they are making sure schools are stocked with paper products, hand sanitizer and soap.
Any large gatherings planned by DSBN for this spring have been cancelled as of right now, and recently the board decided to cancel planned trips to the U.S and Europe.
Yielding says she has frequent talks with parents over March-break plans being cancelled for many.
“I think everyone has COVID-19 on their minds. It is important to follow the recommendations from public health,” she said.
Despite the rapid development of the virus in the last week, Niagara Region Public Health said on their website that the risk for Niagara residents remain low, and that there are no confirmed cases in the region
A statement from the region on their website reads:
Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since this is an evolving situation and we expect many residents will be travelling in the upcoming weeks, we're continuing to plan for the possibility of local infection.
The health and well-being of our residents is our top priority, and we work daily with local hospitals, primary care, emergency services, the Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario, and other provincial and federal partners in response to this new virus.
The Catholic School Board of Niagara said they are monitoring the situation, but have yet to issue a formal statement on their containment measures.
