How we’re helping to prevent the spread of illness

How we’re helping to prevent the spread of illness
Posted on 03/06/2020
WMS custodian cleaning schoolsDue to cold and flu season and in anticipation of coronavirus, district facilities, transportation and nursing staff have put several enhanced cleaning protocols in place and all staff are promoting personal hygiene, especially hand-washing, with students.

Facilities staff have been increasing their efforts at all schools, especially those that have seen a dip in attendance. 

“Our custodians at night have been wiping down desks, chairs, light switches, door handles and anything else that may spread germs,” said John Tucker, Assistant Director of Facilities for Mehlville School District. The district is using a CDC-recommended disinfectant while cleaning, he said.

The transportation department is also cleaning frequently touched surfaces, including seats.

“The buses are sprayed down after both the morning and afternoon routes,” said Dan Gilman, Director of Transportation. “It’s a spray-on disinfectant, so it can get where children sit and where they may put their fingers.”

Learn more about our cleaning efforts:

Teachers and nurses are advising students to follow the healthy habits that are routinely taught in school.

“We’re going to concentrate on washing our hands and coughing and sneezing into our elbows,” said Jen Ahearn, Lead Nurse for Mehlville School District.

Children and staff should stay home from school if they have a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Children and staff must be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning to school or work.

About the new coronavirus (COVID-19)

The flu season has been complicated by recent reports of a new coronavirus (COVID-19). Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses with common symptoms similar to the flu, which include a fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. As of March 4, 2020, there have not been any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has established a website for those seeking more information about this new coronavirus. You can also find additional information about COVID-19 from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Should a case of COVID-19 be identified in Missouri, Mehlville School District will rely on guidance from the St. Louis County Department of Public Health and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to determine if we need to take additional precautions to keep students and staff safe.

See answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and updates from Mehlville School District about the virus.

The Mehlville School District strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and other characteristics protected by law. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: contact Adam Smith at 314-467-5006 or [email protected].