Wisconsin Preparing School Districts In Case Coronavirus Comes

MILWAUKEE, WI — There has only been one confirmed case of the new coronavirus — known as COVID-19 — in Wisconsin, though public health officials and school officials say they're taking steps to both guard against the potential spread of the virus, and are developing plans in case COVID-19 cases appear and cause disruptions.

Public health officials this week maintain that the health risk to the general public remains low, both in the U.S. and in Wisconsin. Officials say COVID-19 is not currently spreading in the community in the United States.

That said, Wisconsin education officials and some local school districts are taking preventive steps now, and planning ahead.

"Milwaukee Public Schools is taking steps to protect students and staff from coronavirus. The MPS Department of Facilities and Maintenance is currently working to ensure that every MPS school has the cleaning and sanitizing supplies they need to reduce the spread of germs in school. The regular school cleaning schedule is being revised to provide more frequent and thorough cleaning," The Milwaukee Public School District said in a statement this week.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has published guidelines about how districts can work to minimize the possibility of COVID-19 in addition to preventive measures.

"Schools may need to postpone or cancel trips that could expose students and staff to potential community spread of COVID-19. Students returning from travel to areas with community spread of COVID-19 must follow guidance they have received from health officials," state officials said this week.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has also published a sample school-district pandemic plan, as well as a sample letter that school districts can use to communicated with families, students and staff regarding COVID-19.

Preparing For Disruptions

During a press briefing held on Feb. 26, U.S. Center For Disease Control Spokesperson Benjamin Haynes offered some guidance over how to prepare in advance of any disruption.

"You should ask your children’s school about their plans for school dismissals or school closures. If ask if there are plans for tele-school," he said via teleconference. "I contacted my local school superintendent this morning with exactly those questions. You should think about what you would do for childcare if schools or day cares close. If teleworking is an option for you. All of these questions can help you be better prepared for what might happen."