Dear LPS Community:

Littleton Public Schools has been working closely with our local public health agencies as we monitor the global outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

To date, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colorado. 

That being said, on Tuesday top U.S. public health officials encouraged Americans to prepare for the spread of the coronavirus in communities across the country.  Should we reach the point of an outbreak in Colorado, we would follow the health department’s lead on any quarantines, closures, or other health measures needed. Our focus is always on how to ensure the safety of students and staff, and how education can continue for our students.

There have been questions regarding students or families that have recently traveled internationally. As you may know, protocols have been put in place to evaluate and, in some cases, quarantine passengers as they return to the United States. Our public health partners are not recommending additional actions by school districts at this time.

What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. These viruses spread through coughing or sneezing, much like the flu.

What can I do to stay healthy?
Again, the risk to the general public in the U.S. from this virus is considered low, but just as is recommended for other respiratory viruses, people can protect themselves and others by practicing everyday actions:

Practice good hand hygiene.

• Wash your hands frequently - remember to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing
• Wash with soap and water, or
• If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to clean hands

Practice respiratory etiquette.

• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 
• If you are ill, you should try to distance yourself from others so you do not spread your germs. Distancing includes staying home from work or school when possible.

Additionally, we have cleaning practices in place in all of our schools and facilities to help avoid disease transmission. As always, we encourage anyone who is feeling ill to stay home, especially if they are experiencing the symptoms listed in our district guidelines posted on our website.

We will provide you with updates as appropriate. Links to additional resources are below. Thank you for your support of Littleton Public Schools!

Center for Disease Control Website:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Website:
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus

Colorado Department of Education Resources:
https://www.cde.state.co.us/communications/saferschools