Updated March 5, 2020: Out of an abundance of caution, the William Floyd School District has canceled a high school field trip to the International Beauty Show on Tuesday, March 10 at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan. High school barbering and cosmetology students were scheduled to attend, but the district felt it best to err on the side of caution and avoid any unnecessary travel into New York City at this time. (Click here for their coronavirus statement)

Updated March 4, 2020: William Floyd School District officials attended a Suffolk County School Superintendents Association meeting on the coronavirus sponsored by the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association and Eastern Suffolk BOCES on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. The meeting included representatives from the Suffolk County Department of Health, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone's office, the Suffolk County Police Department and Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services to discuss the evolving issue of the coronavirus as well as the response. School officials continue to monitor developments closely, infectious disease cleaning protocols (as detailed below) are in place and all are encouraged continue to implement individual prevention procedures (non-pharmaceutical interventions or NPIs) as detailed below.

For updated information on the coronavirus, please check the following links for details:

CDC
Suffolk County Department of Health
World Health Organization

February 28, 2020 at 2:30 pm: The William Floyd School District has been closely monitoring reports about the new coronavirus, COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).

The William Floyd School District DOES NOT have any cases of COVID-19, and there is no identified risk to the William Floyd School District community at this time.

Additionally, up to this point, there have not been any confirmed cases on Long Island or throughout New York State.

Rest assured, that the district continues to closely monitor this situation and following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the New York State Department of Health, the Suffolk County Department of Health and the New York State Education Department.

If the district becomes aware that a student or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19, it will notify the entire school community immediately. If a student or staff member shows respiratory symptoms, we will follow our current practices for handling respiratory illnesses, subject to any additional guidance received by the above referenced departments.

Please know, that, as always, the health and safety of our students and staff is our highest priority, and we will remain vigilant in our efforts to help prevent the spread of this and other illnesses.

What We Are Doing to Prevent the Spread of Viruses
The district has infectious disease protocols in place, as it does throughout flu season, and has been taking the steps necessary such as thorough cleansing and disinfecting throughout schools to minimize the spread of viruses. Custodial staff is paying extra attention to frequently touched and other high-traffic surfaces, such as door handles and knobs, stairwell railings, bathrooms, chairs, desktops, lunch tables, etc.

Prevention (Non-Pharmaceutical Intervention)
There are a number of steps individuals can take to help minimize the spread of all respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, according to the state Department of Health:  

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer until soap and water are available. Heavily soiled hands should be washed as soon as possible.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Use social distancing when possible (stand at least six feet away)

If you or a family member begin 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.

Local health departments will contact schools if a suspected or known COVID-19 case emerges. The district is prepared to work with any affected families.

Additional Resources:
Families are also encouraged to follow the CDC’s information for travel.
For additional information, please check out the links below:

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
COVID-19: What is Stigma and What Causes It? 
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Frequently Asked Questions - Prevention 
Prevention, Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

New York State has also established a Novel Coronavirus Hotline, which can provide additional information. Call 1-888-364-3065 with questions or concerns about travel and symptoms.

The district will share any new information if/when it becomes available.