Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory from Framingham Public Schools

February 26, 2020 (Framingham, MA): This week the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicted widespread local transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States mentioning schools, businesses, and health care systems and raising concerns about how we will plan for and manage an outbreak. 

Currently there are very few cases of COVID 19 in the US and no reported community spread according to the CDC. Massachusetts public health officials are monitoring COVID-19 activity very closely. Yesterday, the MA Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Department of Public Health (DPH) issued guidance for schools regarding the infection. MA DPH is working closely with the CDC, other federal agencies, local boards of health, and other clinical partners to share the most up to date information available with school administrators. 

This is a rapidly evolving situation. Federal and state guidance could change at any time.  At this point:

• Framingham Board of Health is working closely with MA DPH and CDC to assist in home quarantine of non-symptomatic travelers coming back from parts of China outside of the Hubei Province (epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak).

• There is no community level transmission of COVID-19 in the United States. The risk for Framingham residents for this disease is very low.

• We are following federal and state guidance on preparing and responding to this disease.

As a school District, planning a response in the event of transmission of COVID-19 in our community will be done in close collaboration and coordination with the MA DPH, the Framingham Board of Health, local healthcare providers, emergency management, and other community agencies, with guidance from the CDC.  We are monitoring the situation very closely and will update and communicate our response according to guidance from our federal and state public health partners.

It is important to note that Framingham residents are much more likely to become sick with a cold or the flu than to be exposed to COVID-19. Many of the precautions that help prevent colds and the flu can help protect against other respiratory viruses. 

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

• Cover your coughs and sneezes

• Stay home if you are sick.

Please use information from official public health agencies as trusted sources of information. Here are links to detailed up-to-date COVID-19 information from the CDC and MA DPH:

Coronavirus Disease 2019 CDC 

Information on the Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) (MA Department of Public Health)

CDC in Action: Preparing Communities for Potential Spread of COVID-19

About Framingham Public Schools
The mission of the Framingham Public Schools is to educate each student to learn and live productively as a critically-thinking, responsible citizen in a multicultural, democratic society by providing academically challenging instructional programs taught by highly-qualified staff and supported by comprehensive services in partnership with our entire community. For news, updates, and announcements, follow Framingham Public Schools (@FraminghamPS) on Facebook, Twitter, and (@framinghamschools) on Instagram. You can also join the conversation using #FraminghamSchools.