Dear Parents,
As you may know, there is currently an international viral outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus affecting areas of China and multiple other countries, including now the United States.
We will continue to monitor the guidance from local, state and federal public health officials, but at this time, there is no need to change any routine activities or behaviors within the Wellington school community. As of today, there are currently no known cases in Ohio. However, the first case in the United States was diagnosed last week in Washington state in a returning traveler from Wuhan City, China.
In general, practicing routine hygiene etiquette is the best way to prevent the spread of infection:
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.
- Wash your hands or use alcohol hand rub after coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid close contact with people that are sick.
- Anyone who has a fever of 100 degrees or greater and/or cough/difficulty breathing should stay home.
- Anyone who is seriously ill should seek medical advice from a doctor or emergency department.
If your family has any plans for international travel in the coming weeks for spring break — especially to China or other affected countries – please be aware of international travel alerts provided by the the US Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prior to departure.
As this situation continues to evolve, we will communicate with you regarding any impact this outbreak may have on school activities in the future. Please see below for more information on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus outbreak.
How does the virus spread?
Based on current guidance from the CDC, person-to-person spread is believed to occur through respiratory droplets with close contacts, similar to influenza and other respiratory pathogens. At this time, the incubation period from exposure to symptom onset is believed to be within 14 days. For example, if a person returned from an outbreak area more than 14 days ago, the person would be outside the window for disease onset.
What are the symptoms?
Coronaviruses typically causes respiratory illness in people. Symptoms of this disease would include fever and lower respiratory tract symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath. Based on current CDC guidance, patients will be tested for coronavirus if they have both:
- fever and/or cough/difficulty breathing and
- a history of travel from Wuhan City, China, or close contact with a person with suspected or confirmed 2019 Novel Coronavirus (close contact is considered within six feet or within a small room for an extended period of time — not casual contact)
Medical Committee of the Wellington Board of Trustees
Brian Biernat P '18 '21, M.D., board member
Jeff Terwin, Ph.D., head of school
Andrew Thomas P '14 '16 '26, M.D., board member
Kim Dunn, RN, B.S.N., M.S., school nurse
Media Contact
Danielle Turkovich
Director of Marketing & Communications
turkovich@wellington.org
614-754-4263
For all information related to how Wellington is monitoring and addressing COVID-19, click here.