The deadly coronavirus is continuously spreading in the United States of America, says an article from USA Today. Leaders of educational institutions in the entire country are making plans for a worst-case scenario. Many areas in the country are already postponing educational institutions. Schools are already considering online learning as an alternative to the traditional method of learning if the threats of the spread of the COVID-19 continues.

Letting the Parents Know about the Schools' Emergency Plan

The leaders of every district are correct to emphasize the importance of washing one's hand. Also, they remind everyone who is sick to stay at home. Additionally, they advise everyone to cover their mouths when they are sneezing and coughing. However, they should also share with parents regarding their emergency plans if the coronavirus epidemic gets worse. This is still true even if it causes an alarm to parents.

The Response of Educational Institutions and Health Authorities on the Epidemic

The way how educational institutions and health authorities respond to confirmed cases of the coronavirus is rapidly changing. However, the unpredictability of how the deadly virus will spread had placed the leaders of educational institutions in a difficult spot. These leaders are at a dilemma of how to create a sense of calm while still relaying caution to students and their parents.

According to the American Association of School Administration's executive director Dan Domenech, everyone is in a "state of alert."

His organization had advised its superintendents to provide information to the parents of the students regarding their emergency operations plans. These plans will be used in case the spread of the COVID-19 gets out of hand.

Domenech says he observed some districts sending messages to families. The messages were sent to them even if there were still no intense threats about the spread of the virus. However, he claims that that is not the case now. He said the spread of the coronavirus is already a matter of concern.

Coronavirus Epidemic not yet a Pandemic in the United States

According to the National Association of School Nurses' executive director Donna Mazyck, the COVID-19 is still not yet a pandemic in the United States of America. However, health authorities are already evaluating their emergency plans due to the speed of how it spreads. Additionally, the health authorities are also devising a plan in case the epidemic comes close to the different regions.

According to Mazyck, the key to the plan is to prepare without causing any panic.

Postponing the Operations of Educational Institutions 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had previously provided various guidance to educational institutions ranging from schools to daycare centers. The guidance depends on the status of their local COVID-19 cases.

Schools with no confirmed cases of the coronavirus, the CDC advised them to evaluate and update their current emergency plans. The CDC suggests to put emphasis on hand-washing, collaborate with local health authorities, and evaluate attendance policies. These policies include ceasing the reward system for perfect attendance.

For schools within COVID-19 infected areas, the CDC suggests educational institutions to communicate with the local health authorities in their area before canceling classes. They will collaborate to determine how long the cancellation of classes will take effect.