York County region schools, colleges prepare for potential SC coronavirus cases
York County region schools are preparing their campuses for potential coronavirus cases in South Carolina.
No cases of the virus have been reported in the state as of Wednesday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of Wednesday, there have been 80 confirmed cases of the respiratory illness in the United States from 13 states, the CDC said. There have been nine deaths in the country.
Winthrop University leaders are monitoring coronavirus and working with health departments. Winthrop sent a statement to the campus community Wednesday.
“As of 3/2/2020, the CDC is recommending that institutions of higher education should ‘consider postponing or canceling upcoming student foreign exchange programs and consider asking current program participants to return to their home country,’” reads the statement.
Winthrop officials have been in contact with students studying abroad, according to the university.
“The health and safety of Winthrop students, faculty, and staff remain our top priority and will play a significant role in any decisions made regarding current and upcoming study abroad opportunities and/or faculty led programs to international destinations,” reads the statement.
Winthrop is asking students and employees who travel to countries identified as a level 3 or 4 threat by the U.S. State Department to quarantine themselves for 14 days when they return to the U.S., according to the statement.
Clinton College in Rock Hill has a statement on the school’s website urging students to use good hygiene. The school is monitoring reports from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and following CDC guidelines.
Local schools are working with the S.C. DHEC.
York school district officials posted a statement to the district’s website on Feb. 27.
“While the virus has not become widespread in the United States and government agencies are working to prevent or contain any cases identified on U.S. soil, our district continues to monitor the situation,” reads the statement.
Similar statements are posted to the Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Clover and Lancaster County school district websites. Chester County School District officials have a similar statement on the district’s Facebook page.
“The safety and health of our students and staff is a priority, and the district has protocols in place to address multiple forms of illness should they arise. Our housekeeping staff will continue to do a thorough job of cleaning our schools and if needed will provide specialized services in areas an illness has been identified,” reads a statement on Fort Mill school district’s website.
School officials say children should stay home from school if they are ill. People should wash their hands regularly and cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Coronavirus symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. Symptoms could appear two to 14 days after exposure.
This story was originally published March 4, 2020 at 3:20 PM.
