COVID-19 Update - Troy Area SD will remain closed until further notice.
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TASD Coronavirus Info (COVID-19)

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POP UP Food Pantry at the Troy Fire Department on Monday, March 30 at 1 p.m.


 
 
 
The Troy Area School District would like to remind you that on Monday, March 30 at 1 p.m. there will be a POP UP Food Pantry at the Troy Fire Department.  
 
This will be a drive through service only.  All Troy Area School District Families are welcome to attend.  There are no income stipulations.  We ask that you stay in your vehicle and the food will be handed to you.  Please leave the area when you have received your food. 
 
Thank you. 

Superintendent Letter - 3/13/2020 - COVID-19 Update

 
 
MEMORANDUM
 
TO: Troy Area School District Community
 
FROM: Dr. Amy Martell, Superintendent
 
DATE: March 13, 2020 5:00 PM
 
RE: COVID-19 Update 
 
 
The district’s top priority is the health and safety of our students and school community. Troy Area SD will be closed for ten (10) business days beginning Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27. The district will continue to communicate with the parents as the COVID- 19 pandemic unfolds. 
 
The district has been preparing to provide guidance regarding the pandemic flu preparations at the Troy Area School District. District procedures and policies have been shared with staff and we will be posting the Influenza posters in addition to lessons and prevention strategies. We will be limiting visitors in the building to minimize the risk of potential exposure for our student areas. 
 
There is a lot of conversation at the Federal and State level regarding what educational institutions should do regarding the coronavirus. One of the things the government is trying to do is to mitigate the number of cases or to flatten the COVID-19 curve. The health system has a capacity and if the cases rise too quickly, like they have in China and Italy, then it makes it difficult for the health system to respond. With protective measures like social isolation and prevention the government is hopeful that the spike in the number of cases will flattened over time.
 
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued guidance for K-12 schools, among other organizations. This guidance discusses three phases for communities. We are now in Phase 1, which is described as the Preparedness Phase: No Community Spread.
 
  • We are coordinating with local health and emergency management officials and following the Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) for pandemic influenza. It is most important that we are planning and preparing.
  • As you know from previous correspondence schools have been educating and asking for healthy practices for students and staff.
  • We are daily cleaning and disinfecting our schools especially in high traffic areas and commonly used surfaces.
  • We continue assessing group gatherings and events which may lead to the postponement of any noncritical gatherings or events.
  • We have asked sick staff and students to remain home.  

We are not in Phase II, minimal to moderate community transmission or when a confirmed case has entered the school. As you have seen in other areas like Montgomery County, the course of action will be determined at that time in coordination with local health officials. There may be an initial short-term dismissal, allowing time for local health officials to gain a better understanding of the local impact and to determine if an extended dismissal is warranted. If this happens the district will communicate with staff, parents, and students as well as to clean and disinfect thoroughly. In addition, decisions will be made about the extension of the short-term to a longer-term dismissal. Phase III is defined as substantial community transmission. At this phase the district will continue to work with local and health officials and consider extended school dismissals. The school calendar will be impacted during Phase II and Phase III. Please prepare for the fact that graduation may not be the date scheduled now on the calendar.

 

Pennsylvania confirmed cases are as follows and information will be updated at the link - here:

Montgomery County: 13

Bucks County: 2

Philadelphia County: 1

Monroe County: 2

Delaware County: 1

Wayne County: 1

Northampton: 1

Pike County: 1 

 

Governor Wolf has updated information available at the link – here: He has given specific guidance for Montgomery County due to the spread of the virus but he has also expressed statewide recommendations. Those recommendations include, 

  • The Wolf Administration strongly encourages the suspension of large gatherings, events, conferences of 250 individuals or more.
  • The Wolf Administration discourages individuals from traveling to recreational activities like gyms, movie theaters and shopping malls.
  • The Wolf Administration encourages religious leaders to exercise discretion in order to mitigate the spread of illness.
  • State correctional facilities and veterans homes have already introduced a statewide visitor ban to ensure the safety of inmates, residents, staff and visitors.
  • The daily COVID- 19 report is available at this link - here 

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the outbreak of COVID- 19 is a pandemic. This announcement will allow the state organizations to respond to the outbreak in ways they could not do so previously. For information regarding this announcement refer to this link – here.

 

 

 

COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR K-12 SCHOOLS

 
BACKGROUND
 
To slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) into Pennsylvania, the Department of Health (DOH) is working with local public health partners to implement after-travel health precautions. There are currently four countries that have a Level 3 Travel Health Notice. Additional countries may be added as the global situation continues to evolve. An updated list of countries can be found here
 
It is important to call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room after coming back from traveling. If you get sick with fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), cough, or have trouble breathing, seek medical care; tell your doctor about your recent travel and your symptoms, avoid contact with others. If you need medical care for other reasons, call ahead to 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) and to your doctor and tell them about your recent travel to an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19. 
 
WHAT SHOULD SCHOOLS DO?
 
If a student, teacher or faculty member have returned from Iran or China:
1. The health department will be alerted by CDC and will contact the individual(s)
2. Stay home and self-isolate yourself for 14 days after travel
 
If a student, teacher or faculty member have returned from Italy or South Korea:
1. They need to call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) to let the health department know about their travel
2. Stay home and self-isolate yourself for 14 days after travel 
 
Any travelers returning from Iran, China, Italy and South Korea should self-monitor for symptoms like fever, cough, or trouble breathing. If you become sick, call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) and the doctor’s office or emergency room before visiting.
 
For information on how to self-monitor and practice social distancing, visit https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus%20Travelers.aspx 
 
WHAT IF WE HAVE A STUDENT WHOSE HEALTH IS BEING MONITORED?
 
If a student becomes a patient under investigation, schools should continue to follow usual procedures for notification of parents/guardians whose children are ill at school. Schools should also work with their local health department regarding notification.
 
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
 
The department encourages schools to increase education on ways to protect yourself from illnesses such as the cold, flu and also the coronavirus:
 
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, do not use your hands!
• Clean surfaces frequently, such as countertops, light switches, cell phones and other frequently touched areas.
• Contain- if you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better. 
 
RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION
 
 
Date Created: 2/3/2020
 
Date Updated: 3/6/2020 
  

What is Coronavirus?

 
CORONAVIRUS
 
BACKGROUND
 
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common throughout the world. These viruses can live in animals, such as camels, cats and bats, and at times, evolve and infect people, before spreading through human to human contact. Human coronaviruses spread just like the flu or a cold—through the air by coughing or sneezing; through close personal contact, like touching or shaking hands; by touching an object or surface with the viruses on it; and occasionally, through fecal contamination. This has occurred previously with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreaks 
 
WHO DOES THE ISSUE IMPACT?
 
People most at-risk of contracting a coronavirus are those who have traveled to places where the virus is occurring. In the case of the novel coronavirus, that location is China, and particularly the Wuhan area and the Hubei province.  
 
 
 
 
 
 WHAT ARE WE DOING?
 
The department frequently exercises and prepares for a potential infectious disease outbreak. We have been monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in China using information from our federal and local partners and are preparing our response teams in case of an outbreak here. We have talked with health care partners about the potential spread of the coronavirus into the United States and how they will work with public health to evaluate potential cases. 
 
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
 
Symptoms of the COVID-19 can include:
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath 
 
The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.
 
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, do not use your hands!
• Clean surfaces frequently, such as countertops, light switches, cell phones and other frequently touched areas. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Contain- if you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better.  
 
RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION
 
 
The latest information on the coronavirus in the U.S. and worldwide can be found on the CDC website
Additional information from the CDC on what to do if you are sick can be found here 
 
 

COVID-19 Update

 
 
March 4, 2020 
 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

Over the past few days, there have been a number of concerns about the preparedness of the Troy Area School District as well as the community for the COVID- 19 respiratory illness. This illness has been the topic of discussion on the news broadcasts and in media outlets. The health and safety of our school community is a primary concern for the district. We also know that there have been no reports of this virus in Pennsylvania but likely, that will change. It is important to be proactive and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended being proactive in order to prevent and mitigate this disease. The CDC has provided additional support documents for families here.  

 

The TASD is recommending following the recommendations of CDC, PA Department of Health, and Local Health Officials. They are recommending strategies to reduce the spread of infectious diseases in our everyday school practices. Please stay home when sick in order to prevent spreading germs at school. It is important to cover coughs and sneezes, clean frequently touched surfaces, and wash hands often. Hand washing strategies should include washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol when soap and water is not available.  

 

Families should review the school attendance and sick policies. Schools are not expected to screen students or staff to identify cases of COVID-19 but we will keep sick students and staff separate from well students until they are able to leave. We would encourage families to pick up their sick children as soon as possible. The district will perform routine environmental cleaning.  

 

It is the priority of the district to continue to communicate with families as information is known. We will continue to share resources with students and families through our website and on social media. The safety of our school community is of the upmost importance.  

 

Thank you, 

 

 

Dr. Amy Martell 

Superintendent 

COVID - 19 Nurse Memo

 
 
 
MEMORANDUM
 
TO: Troy Area School District Community
FROM: Mrs. Ellie Madigan, School Nurse K-12
DATE: March 5th, 2020
COVID-19 School Nurse Update 
 
 
 
 
The Troy Area School District is working closely together with the Local Department of Health to insure a safe and healthy learning environment for our staff and students.
 
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) virus, and we are learning more about it every day. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
 
The Department of Health recommends all staff and students practice the basics which include: good handwashing (for at least 20 seconds), cover coughs and sneezes, keep surfaces clean, and encourage staff and students to stay home if they are sick.
 
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
 
There are a lot of media reports on the virus and it is important to evaluate sources of information.
 
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued guidance which was updated March 3, 2019 and may be found here.
 

COVID - 19 Cleaning and Disinfecting Update

 
MEMORANDUM
TO: Troy Area School District Community
FROM: Mr. David Blair, Maintenance Supervisor
DATE: March 6, 2020
RE: COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfecting Update
 
With the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID- 19), it is critical that the school community understands the recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Troy Area School District procedures for cleaning and disinfecting, as well as the recommendations for home cleaning and disinfection. It is important to educate about COVID- 19 symptoms in order to minimize the spread of the virus from person to person.
 
Viruses spread from person to person and more quickly among close contacts within six feet. When viruses spread in this way it is through respiratory droplets. In schools or public places the transmission of COVID- 19 from contaminated surfaces have not been documented (CDC, 2020). Regardless, cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is the best practice measure for prevention of COVID- 19 and other viruses in public settings.
 
Cleaning: removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs but by removing them will lower the number of germs and reduce the risk of spreading infections (CDC, 2020).
 
Disinfection: using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean the dirty surface or remove germs but kills them on the surface AFTER cleaning. This can lower the risk of spreading infections (CDC, 2020).
 
The distinction between cleaning and disinfecting is important because the disinfecting process at the Troy Area School District includes using the AirX Spray N Go System. Please watch the video link to find out more about how the system works and effectiveness. Concerns about the Safety Data Sheet SDS may be found here. The efficacy information is found here.
 
The procedures for cleaning and disinfecting public spaces include wearing disposable gloves and following the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfecting using the products described above. When the gloves are removed, hands must be washed immediately with soap and water. For dirty surfaces, they are cleaned with detergent and water prior to the disinfection process. We use Proctor and Gamble product line 32 and 33. For disinfection, the AirX Spray N Go is used on the surfaces. In the restrooms and our public drinking fountains we use the Fullsan Disinfectant and Cleaner II to disinfect those areas.
 
For your home, it is recommended by the CDC (2020) that you clean surfaces using disposable gloves and wash hands with soap and water when they are removed. Surfaces should be cleaned using a detergent or soap prior to disinfecting. For disinfection, in your homes, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol should be effective.
 
References
 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020, March 3).
 
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19): Interim environmental cleaning and disinfection recommendations for U.S. households with 
suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19).
 
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