A Message About Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Dear Families and Staff,

Petersburg City Public Schools (PCPS) is coordinating with federal, state and local public health and safety partners to take public health actions, as necessary, to keep our school community safe. Currently, there are no reported cases of COVID-19 in Petersburg, but we are working to ensure that if there is an outbreak in our community that we will be prepared to handle that issue. At this time, there is no evidence or documentation of community transmission of COVID-19 in Petersburg.

In order to be prepared, PCPS staff are engaged in numerous measures to keep our students and staff safe. Some of the steps that we are taking are:

• Review and Update- PCPS is reviewing and updating our operations plan, including a plan for distance learning. Additionally, we are developing our preparedness plans in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• Daily Cleaning- Operations staff have been reminded of the importance of consistent cleaning and disinfection protocols and the need for frequent checks and restocking of handwashing supplies (soap and paper towels). We are disinfecting surfaces like doorknobs, tables, desks, and handrails regularly. Our cafeteria staff is practicing strict hygiene. Also, we have confirmed that PCPS is using EPA verified products to clean and disinfect our schools.
• Daily Meetings and Briefings- PCPS staff are meeting daily to discuss how to continue instruction and learning for our students in the case of an outbreak. PCPS staff will continue to meet with and receive briefings from our local and state partners as the public health assessments continue to come in.
• Enhanced Communication- As we learn more about the COVID-19 situation, we will share the information that is most relevant to you. We will broadcast this information through our website, social media accounts, email, and telephone system. Additionally, information about COVID-19 will be available in paper copies at each of our schools. (Visit cdc.gov for more information on COVID-19)

Our goal is to continue to provide instruction for our students in safe, clean schools. Please remember to take the necessary precautions of handwashing, avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands, and covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue. We encourage our staff and families to use non-contact methods of greeting and to know the signs and symptoms of COVID-19. If you are not feeling well, please take the appropriate steps to get yourself healthy and feeling better again. Together, with your support and cooperation, we can continue to keep schools open and our students healthy.

On Monday, March 16th, we will provide you with an update on our operations plan and how we plan to proceed with school.

Sincerely,

Dr. Maria Pitre-Martin, 

Superintendent