COVID-19_letter #4

To:                  All Rochester City and School Personnel

From:             Blaine Cox, City Manager

                        Kyle Repucci, School Superintendent

Date:               March 10, 2020

Subject:          Coronavirus (Covid-19) Memorandum # 1

As the global community reacts to the emerging consequences of the coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to communicate to all of you regarding the City of Rochester’s related efforts. A group of selected staff began meeting last week and will continue to meet weekly as long as we are faced with this challenge. Also, we have created a page on our website that has additional links and resources: COVID-19 Facts & Resources Page.

WHAT IS COVID-19: Coronaviruses are a family of closely related viruses that have been around for quite some time. Some coronaviruses cause the common cold. However, the virus causing what has been named COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus that is believed to have moved from animals to humans relatively recently. COVID-19 symptoms are typically mild and typically include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Mild cases can often be treated at home as you would the common cold or flu. However, as always, more intense symptoms should be treated by a doctor.

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent infection from this new strain of coronavirus. The COVID-19 virus is spread primarily through respiratory droplets such as when an infected person coughs. When dealing with any virus, including the new COVID-19, the best response is to: (1) avoid being exposed to the virus or (2) avoid exposing others when you are sick.

WORKPLACE STRATEGIES: The Rochester Public Buildings Department & School Facilities Department have trained personnel knowledgeable in the procedures necessary to clean our buildings and use anti-viral products that reduce the chances for the spread of infectious diseases including COVID-19. These procedures have been ramped up in the face of the COVID-19 virus outbreak. In addition, the Public Buildings Department has distributed disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer so that each of us can participate in the effort to prevent the spread of infectious germs and the School Facilities Department cleans and disinfects touchpoints and surfaces throughout the day and each evening.

REDUCING THE RISK:  Per guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), any City staff person who has traveled to a known high risk area for COVID-19 or has been in close contact with someone that has traveled to a high risk area for COVID-19 is asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. Please call your supervisor to inform him/ her of your situation. Supervisors will be provided an illness report form to fill out and submit to HR. The information will be kept confidential. You will not be required to utilize paid leave time and will simply be paid as if you were reporting to work.

In an abundance of caution, any staff person with symptoms of an acute respiratory infection (see symptoms below) or living with a household member with symptoms of an acute respiratory infection is asked not to report to work until the infected person is free of symptoms for at least 24 hours. Please call your supervisor to inform him/ her of your situation. Supervisors will be provided an illness report form to fill out and submit to HR. The information will be kept confidential. Supervisors, in consultation with the department head, are asked to send any staff member home immediately that shows signs of acute respiratory illness and are required to submit an illness report form to HR. If the illness appears to fit the symptoms of the COVID-19 virus as detailed by the CDC, you will not be required to utilize paid leave time and will simply be paid as if you were reporting to work. This determination will be made based upon the information provided to HR on the illness report form as well as any follow up information made available by the effected employee.

Under any of the above scenarios, self-quarantining or COVID-19 symptoms, you will not be required to provide a doctor’s note to validate these absences or to return to work.

What we face is extraordinary and we know that healthcare providers and medical facilities may be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely way. We will revert to our standard requirements once this crisis is under better control. Once again, please work with your supervisor, department head and HR if this situation applies to you.

ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE: The CDC’s website (CDC Guidance) has information on all aspects of the COVID-19 situation, including cough & sneeze etiquette, hand hygiene and global and national situation updates.

We will continue to monitor the situation and take the steps deemed appropriate to minimize the risks of infection and minimize the spread of the coronavirus. We are committed to protecting city personnel, our families, our city’s residents and committed to do our part for the greater community. The situation seems to be evolving quickly and we will notify you of any changes to our strategy.

 

What are the symptoms of acute respiratory infection?

  • fever (above 100.4 degrees).
  • congestion, either in the nasal sinuses or lungs.
  • runny nose.
  • sore throat.
  • body aches.

McClelland Principal Search: Parent & Staff Survey

The Search Committee seeks your input to assist with hiring the best possible candidate to lead McClelland Elementary School.  This survey is open to McClelland staff and parents and will remain open until Monday, February 24th at 8 am.  After 8 am on February 24th the survey will be inactivated and the committee will begin reviewing the data collected.

Please click on the link below to provide the committee with your input.

http://bit.ly/37FOxfR

Chamberlain Principal Search: Parent & Staff Survey

The Search Committee seeks your input to assist with hiring the best possible candidate to lead Chamberlain Street Elementary School.  This survey is open to Chamberlain staff and parents and will remain open until Monday, February 24th at 8 am.  After 8 am on February 24th the survey will be inactivated and the committee will begin reviewing the data collected.

Please click on the link below to provide the committee.

http://bit.ly/Cham_Prin