Atlantic School District Superintendent Steve Barber and School District Registered Nurse Laura Freund, earlier this week, sent out a notice to parents/guardians of students in the district, and staff, with regard to preparations for the COVID-19 (or, Corona virus).  At Wednesday evening’s school board meeting, Mr. Barber essentially reiterated the same information, and  reassured the Board “We’re not in a panic mode right now. We’re paying attention to all the updated news each time. Hopefully, we prepared for the worst but hope for the best-type situation. The next couple or three weeks we’ll kind of know if anything comes from that arena as well.”

In the letter sent Monday, Barber said that he and Freund attended a webinar last ween, where officials made recommendations for school districts.  The message was simple, and has not changed: Wash your hands, wipe down surfaces, don’t share cups, and remain home if you are not feeling well.  Barber said “These are the same procedures we have in place and will continue to do. Our maintenance crew uses foggers to disinfect our buildings. We will be using these two times in all buildings over the next two weeks; then after spring break reevaluate.”

During the webinar, individuals from the Iowa Department of Public Health were there to answer questions.  Mr. Barber and Freund encourage anyone interested in factual information and recommendations to go to the site.  In addition, the cdc.gov site is one that provides national information.

Barber and Freund have been in contact with Mr. O’Donnell with regard to the Florida trip to Disney World in two weeks.  At this time, they say, the trip will take place at planned, unless things change. We have some time to look at the Spanish trip in Costa Rica in July and will continue to monitor the situation.

In the letter also, Barber and Freund said “In Cass County, we are blessed with some committed individuals in Public Health and Emergency Management.  We are and will continue to be frequently conversing with them and make decisions based on a team approach.  Our goal is to continue to inform staff and parents and ensure everyone is in the know if recommendations change.”