Coffee County Schools implement protocol for infectious disease

The health and safety of all students in Coffee County is the number one priority of the school system. This past week, with heightened attention on the Ebola virus threatening the United States, system directors and administrators reviewed precautionary actions reinforcing healthy habits for continued safety as it relates to students and staff.

District officials reviewed the school system emergency preparedness plan, infectious disease policy and a letter of guidance from the Georgia Department of Community Health. An emergency preparedness coordinator from the Southeast Health District also participated in reviewing protocols and developing strategies to manage any situations that may arise in the schools. The system has also been in communication with the local director of emergency management. Principals along with school nurses are actively reviewing and discussing policies and protocols with faculty and staff.

All new students to the district will be screened at the Central Enrollment Center regarding recent travel. New students from countries including Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and other areas affected with an Ebola outbreak will not be enrolled or allowed to attend classes without proper medical documentation and approval by the superintendent. If school officials encounter someone they believe exhibits symptoms, they are to immediately separate the person from contact with others and report it.

-Submitted by the Coffee County Board of Education