Amherst, NY (WBEN) - Two local school districts are looking at how to deal with students who have recently traveled to countries at the center of the Coronavirus outbreak.
The Ken-Ton School district released a statement on their website saying they are aware of one student who recently traveled to Italy. That student was asked to undertake a voluntary quarantine as a precautionary measure only. The Erie County Department of Health has reviewed the case and advised the district that there is no cause for concern.
Amherst Schools Superintendent Anthony Panella, in a letter to parents on Thursday, addressed concerns about 12 students and a chaperone who took a recent trip to Italy.
"At the time of the group’s departure on Feb. 5 and return at the end of February break, there were no travel warnings for Italy," Panella said. "It’s important to note, during their trip and upon return, all participants on the trip were asymptomatic."
Both the Ken-Ton and Amherst Districts said that there is no evidence to believe that any of their students are carrying the virus, and are planning to follow all CDC guidelines.
Here is the letter sent to Amherst Parents:
Dear Amherst Families,
As this COVID-19 situation unfolds, I want to assure you that I will communicate as often as needed. I’m writing to provide additional information and reassure you that the health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority. I have been made aware of recent concerns regarding the timing of the return of 12 students and a chaperone from a trip to Italy. I want to restate that there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in our district and we are closely following the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state and local departments of health.
At the time of the group’s departure on Feb. 5 and return at the end of February break, there were no travel warnings for Italy. It’s important to note, during their trip and upon return, all participants on the trip were asymptomatic.
As this is a fluid situation, we received guidance from the CDC on Monday, March 2 which included a CDC travel warning for Italy dated Feb. 28. I contacted the Erie County Department of Health on Tuesday, March 3 to make them aware of the trip. We contacted them proactively; not because we suspected anyone was ill or demonstrating any symptoms. The health department implemented their protocol which includes a voluntary 14-day home quarantine, from the date of their return on Feb. 22, that began Wednesday, March 4 for the students and chaperone. Again, as a proactive and precautionary measure. Per health department protocol, if no symptoms arise, the students and staff member will be cleared by the health department to return to school at the end of the quarantine period.
Looking ahead, all district-sponsored trips and exchanges will be approved or cancelled based on recommendations from reputable sources such as the CDC, the World Health Organization, and local and state health departments. If your child has traveled to or plans to travel to an area with an issued Travel Health Notice, I ask that you consult one of these reputable sources and notify your building principal prior to their return to school.
It is important to respect people’s privacy and also important to make sure the community is informed. We continue our due diligence to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment. We ask that you continue the preventative measures outlined in previous emails and I will update you next week on additional measures we have planned to support proper hygiene and cleanliness in our schools.
Thank you,Anthony Panella, Superintendent
