Administrators with Las Cruces Public Schools canceled all out of state travel for students and staff Wednesday, in wake of the announcement that New Mexico had confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by Coronavirus. Here is a statement from the district:
The travel ban is in effect immediately until further notice. School staff will be working with sponsors and vendors to determine whether or not refunds will be available, and information will be made available to parents as quickly as possible.
Several district schools are already on school-sponsored trips out of state, and precautions have been outlined for when those groups return, according to the district’s superintendent, Dr. Karen Trujillo.
“This is a fluid situation,” said Trujillo. “We are monitoring what the Department of Health is advising and relaying our plans to parents and staff as quickly as we can. Just as we saw today, information regarding this pandemic is constantly being updated.”
There are approximately 80 students from Las Cruces High School, Lynn Middle School, Mesa Middle School and Sierra Middle School who left early Wednesday. Las Cruces High, Sierra and Mesa students are headed to the Student Television Network (STN) convention in Washington, D.C. and Lynn students are on an art trip to Los Angeles.
The STN convention was canceled Wednesday and students will be returning home as soon as possible. Plans for the Lynn students bound for Los Angeles have not been affected.
As a precaution, district officials are asking parents of students traveling to Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles to stay home until after Spring Break. Siblings of those students are also asked to stay home.
Safety Protocols in Place at LCPS
Las Cruces Public Schools administration continue to follow state-mandated safety and health protocols, a practice that is already protecting its students and staff.
Under the Safe Schools Plan, an approved public health and safety guideline filed with the New Mexico Public Education Department, nurses at all Las Cruces Public Schools are closely monitoring attendance and a plan is already in place should a direct threat of Coronavirus become apparent.
“This is the time of year we lean on that plan in the event of influenza,” said Sean Barham, Chief of Staff at Las Cruces Public Schools. “It’s been widely effective in that we haven’t seen a spike in absenteeism among students or staff during the peak of flu season, and it’s a plan that we can tailor in the event of other threats – like the COVID-19 threat we are seeing now.”
School nurses, according to Barham, have played an essential role in in that plan.
“We are fortunate to have a registered nurse at every school in our district,” said Sandy Peugh, Director of Health Services for Las Cruces Public Schools. Peugh noted that a total of 48 registered nurses are employed at the school district. In addition to a dedicated nurse at each school, the district also has four floating registered nurses, two administrators and 15 health assistants.
“Our Health Services staff receives daily updates and weekly phone conferences with the New Mexico Department of Health,” Peugh added. “Nurses are also working one-on-one with students and staff on the basics of infection control, frequent handwashing and covering their cough or sneeze with the bend of their arm, rather than their hands.”
According to Peugh, added time has been built into instruction at all elementary schools to allow for more effective handwashing.
Information and safety tips were sent to parents and families last week, said Peugh. Included were the latest updates from the Department of Health, tips for prevention and directions on what to do should you develop symptoms that could require Coronavirus testing.
Custodial teams are also taking extra precautions at all schools: frequently-touched surfaces are wiped down with a hospital-grade disinfectant (this includes door handles, sinks, soap dispensers, water fountains, toiles, light switches, phones and countertops); all restrooms are adequately stocked with soap and paper towels; high-traffic areas that are exposed to students and visitors are mopped frequently.
Parents with concerns about exposure to Coronavirus, or questions about potential travel plans, can call the New Mexico Department of Health, 1-855-600-3453. For updates on the status of Coronavirus in New Mexico, or for tips on protecting yourself, visit www.cv.nmhealth.org.