COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), which was first identified in China and has recently been detected in many parts of the world, causes respiratory illness and other symptoms such as a fever and cough. COVID-19 is spread through close contact with someone who has the virus, through droplets in the air (from coughing and sneezing), or through touching an infected surface.
Maple Bear Global School’s policy is to follow the government’s response in each individual country to the virus. Schools will only be shut down when mandated by government or when extraordinary circumstances occur, such as a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a particular school community.
At Maple Bear, children’s safety and cleanliness has always been the top priority. For schools remaining open, we are taking steps to reduce the risks to all people by following the World Health Organization (WHO)’s recommended steps to protect against coronavirus in the same way we would prevent the spread of other illnesses, such as the flu.
- Our teachers and staff are working carefully to encourage the simple and effective habits of frequent hand washing, covering every cough or sneeze, and cleaning classroom tables/surfaces frequently.
- We require the children to wash their hands upon arrival at school, before eating, after each activity and before heading home at the end of the day.
- We follow best practices in sanitization to keep our facilities, playgrounds and equipment clean.
- Children are assessed upon arrival each day at school for signs of illness.
- We are enforcing our regular policies to ensure sick children remain at home until they are well.
We ask our families to consider the following positive actions at home as well:
- Teach children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water.
- Have them a tissue or the bend of their elbow to cover a cough or a sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean and disinfect all surfaces, especially those frequently touched (tables, phones, railings, toys, etc).
- Keep their immune system strong with exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep.
- Consider limiting nonessential travel and visits to public places, such as museums, concerts, or shopping malls.
- Stay home if have any symptoms at all of a cold or influenza, even if the symptoms are mild.
- Practice social distancing and avoid close contact with those who are ill.
- If you have been traveling, particularly where there has been transmission of COVID-19, then call your health care provider. Always tell health care providers about recent travel if you become ill after returning.
- Show compassion and empathy for those impacted by the virus. Avoid making negative or stereotypical comments about others, such as blaming a group of people.
- Keep basic food, health, and cleaning supplies on hand in your home.
- Make a simple contingency plan for back-up child care or work disruptions.
