PITTSBURGH -- The North Hills School District is monitoring the situation in regards to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, China. The virus is spread from person-to-person and symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
While there are no known cases in Pittsburgh or the state of Pennsylvania, everyone should take precautions to avoid the spreading of germs this time of year. This includes:
- Covering coughs or sneezes with your elbow or a tissue (Do not use your hands!)
- Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available)
- Cleaning surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones, remotes and other frequently touched items
Our teachers and school nurses have already begun reinforcing the behaviors above in all of our buildings, and we encourage our families to do the same at home.
Our custodians will also continue to disinfect and clean all desks, door knobs and other touch surfaces in our schools daily. NHSD uses hospital grade disinfectant chemicals that are classified as such by the Environmental Protection Agency.
In addition, all students and staff should stay home if they are sick and for at least 24 hours after a fever.
If traveling abroad, we recommend that you review and adhere to the Centers for Disease Control's latest Travel Health Notices.
The North Hills School District will continue to follow the direction provided by the Allegheny County Health Department, Pennsylvania Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control. Allegheny County health officials work closely with federal, state and local partners to assess the county’s level of preparedness and develop protocols and guidance for partners within the county.
In addition, NHSD leaders will be meeting with Ross Township officials later this week to discuss our ongoing precautions and level of preparedness.
Should COVID-19 become known in Allegheny County and/or our district, we will follow the guidance of local, state and federal health departments, and utilize Flexible Instructional Days if our schools need to close.