COVID Update - March 31, 2020
31 March 2020
Greenback Family,
Per the press release from the Pratt County Health Department, Pratt has its first confirmed COVID-19 case. We have understood that we would eventually see cases here and we will see more. But, everything we do to flatten the curve protects our healthcare system and that, in turn, protects our most vulnerable.
It is certainly possible we could see COVID-19 cases within our school community. We will not be bringing students into the buildings in small groups until the Stay at Home Executive Order, which is in place through April 19th, expires. We have a hardworking staff and we are staying productive but we are working to maintain social distancing and follow the guidelines, especially the 6-foot distance and less-than-10-people-in-a-room rules. If you have business to conduct with a school, please call ahead. We have tasked many of our employees to assist with food service and delivery. We have all of our workers in food preparation wear surgical masks besides the normal guidelines with food prep. We are working diligently to put ourselves and our students in the safest position possible but we know that we cannot guarantee zero cases within our school community.
Again, this is about flattening the curve. If we aggressively follow social distancing expectations and reduce contact to only include essential functions, we will dramatically lower the spread rate of COVID-19. Staying on our current path will preserve our healthcare system and I believe we will be able to provide the needed care for that small percentage that will need it.
I visited with Pratt Community College and Skyline Schools today and we discussed working together if needed to help the kids in our community. I am confident we have a community that will come together in a time of need.
These are anxious times. These are also moments when you see true selflessness in action.
Sincerely,
Tony Helfrich
Superintendent
Pratt Schools USD 382
