Coronavirus Response

Dear School Communities-

As there continue to be ongoing developments and safety concerns regarding the coronavirus, the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Kalamazoo want to assure you that we are monitoring the situation in our various communities and around the state. Student and staff health and safety is of the utmost importance. We are working with our school administrators to help make determinations on events, trips, and other issues that may arise. Our school administrators have been in contact with their local health departments and have been making plans and working with their teachers on how instruction will proceed if we need to shut down our schools for a period of time.

Please remember, if your child is sick- coughing, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, etc with or without a fever, please keep them home. Students are being reminded at school, but please also remind them at home to remember to take the following precautions to protect against the Coronavirus or any flu strain:

• Cover your cough and sneezes
• Clean your hands often- wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60-95% alcohol
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid sharing personal household items
• Clean frequently used items thoroughly after every use

Please note that in addition to the above precautions, students will be told that the following things have changed at school Masses:

• Hands should not be held during the Our Father
• Instead of shaking hands during the sign of peace, we should make eye contact with others and say “Peace be with you”
• All are encouraged, but not required, to receive the Host on their hand rather than the tongue
• Distribution of the Precious Blood is currently suspended
• It has been encouraged that Holy water fonts be emptied and cleaned after all Masses or may continue to be empty for the time being

We will continue to update families with news and information as it becomes available and if this virus further affects our schools. Most communication and decisions regarding events and school closures will happen at your local level.
 
Please also see the resources below from the CDC for additional information on COVID-19. 

How it spreads
Symptoms
Testing
Protecting yourself
Frequently Asked Questions




Margaret Erich - Superintendent 
Catholic Schools Diocese of Kalamazoo