After hearing from experts at the CDC, WHO, and the Florida Department of Health, DCSMEC (in an abundance of caution) is temporarily suspending all general and steward meetings until further notice. We hope that smart action today will prevent the spread of the virus tomorrow. Our membership is our number one priority.

All other DCSMEC activities will continue as usual. COVID-19 is a bigger threat to the elderly and those with chronic disease. The WHO (World Health Organization) is pulling out all the stops in their effort to get the world to respond to the situation with the seriousness it deserves.

Superintendent Carvalho began his day by stressing, “It is a regular school day with no interruptions.” While all school and after school activities are continuing, travel plans are being canceled. “All out of country field trips have been canceled until further notice based on guidance by the Florida Department of Education, an  immediate moratorium is being placed on all out of state air travel,” explained Carvalho. “All in-county and in-state field trips, not requiring air travel, are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis.”

Students and parents who have returned from high warning level countries or a cruise and are exhibiting symptoms are being told to contact the Florida Dept. of Health. Students who are sick are being told to stay home even if they think it is the common cold or the flu. “Stay home. This is not the time to strive for perfect attendance,” said Carvalho. Perfect attendance requirements are being lifted so students can stay home if they are ill.

The school district will partially activate its emergency command center starting Wednesday morning. It has also opened a coronavirus hotline, the number is 305-995-3000. In addition, M-DCPS has launched a dedicated website for the most up-to-date information regarding schools and the coronavirus. It can be found at COVID19.DADESCHOOLS.NET. There is also a new website for its Instructional Continuity Plan for Emergency Schools Closures of District School. This is where online learning would continue should it be necessary to close a classroom, a school or a group of schools, but again, all schools remain open at this time. School principals are being told to intensify cleaning of schools and buses, and to promote personal hygiene.

President Trump has address the nation by taking unprecedented action to attempt to keep Americans safe, including a suspension of “all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days.” “We are at a critical time in the fight against the virus,” President Trump said. “We made a life-saving move with early action on China. Now we must take the same action with Europe. We will not delay. I will never hesitate to take any necessary steps to protect the lives, health and safety of the American people. I will always put the well-being of America first.” President Trump late Wednesday canceled campaign events in Colorado, Nevada, and Wisconsin because of the coronavirus outbreak.

DCSMEC will continue to monitor the situation with COVID-19.  Please use common sense precautions. Keep your hands away from your face, and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds multiple times a day.