Dear Putnam Valley Families:
We are passing along the Parent/Guardian letter prepared by the New York State Department of Health regarding Novel (new) Coronavirus. We participated in a webinar hosted by the Department of Health this afternoon and at this time, there are no cases in New York State.
We are also sharing a link for information on seasonal influenza.
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal/childhood_adolescent/
Thank you,
Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools
Letter prepared by New York State Department of Health-
Dear Parents/Guardians:
A new coronavirus called 2019 Novel (new) Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was first found in Wuhan,
Hubei Province, China. This virus had not been found in humans before. This coronavirus can
lead to fever, cough and trouble breathing or shortness of breath. There are thousands of
diagnosed cases in China and new cases being diagnosed in a number of countries including
the United States.
What do we know?
Since this virus is very new, health authorities continue to carefully watch how this virus
spreads. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working hard to learn as
much as possible about this new virus, so that we can better understand how it spreads and
causes illness. The CDC considers this virus to be a serious public health concern. Based on
current information the CDC recommends avoiding travel to China. Updated travel information
related to 2019‐nCoV can be found at
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/novel-coronavirus-china
How Does 2019 Novel (New) Coronavirus Spread?
Health experts believe the virus probably spreads from animals to humans and from person to
person. It’s not clear yet how easily the virus spreads from person-to-person.
The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) is not currently a concern for the general public and
is not actively circulating among New Yorkers at this time. Therefore, there is no need to cancel
school or social events, and there is no need for students or school staff to wear surgical masks
at school.
Prevention
There are currently no vaccines available to protect against this virus. The New York State
Department of Health (DOH) recommends the following ways to minimize the spread of all
respiratory viruses, including 2019-nCoV:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-
based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• 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 mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing
or sneezing. If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
• Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• CDC recommends that travelers avoid all travel to China.
Symptoms
Information to date suggests that 2019-nCoV causes mild-to-moderate illness and symptoms
like the flu, including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Are visitors from China being screened?
Yes, as of February 2nd new screening protocols are conducted for individuals entering the US
from China at designated airports.
PreK-12 schools may have students who attend school and have traveled to various areas in
Asia, including China. Students should not be excluded from school or any school activities
based on race, country of origin, or recent travel (or a family member’s recent travel), including
to any part of China. Schools may only exclude a student if a local health department informs
the school that a student must comply with a quarantine order or the student is symptomatic of a communicable or infectious disease pursuant to Education Law §906.
Important Health Information for Those Who Have Recently Traveled to Wuhan, Hubei
Province, China and Experience Symptoms
If you recently traveled to Wuhan, China and feel sick with fever, cough or trouble breathing; OR
you develop symptoms within 14 days of traveling there, you should:
• Seek medical care right away. Call ahead and tell them about your travel and symptoms.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Stay home, except for seeking medical care.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing
or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water
are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60%
alcohol.
• Contact your local health department.
This is an emerging, rapidly changing situation. For questions please contact your local
department of health or the NYS DOH Novel Coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
We encourage you to keep up to date about 2019-nCoV, its treatment and prevention by visiting the following websites:
Additional Resources
CDC’s dedicated 2019-nCoV website at https://www.cdc.gov/nCoV.
NYSDOH’s dedicated 2019-nCoV website at
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 at www.schoolhealthny.com