Preparing schools for a safe and healthy reopening
Going back to school amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has raised many concerns within the Cache County School District community. Keeping our schools safe, clean, and healthy is CCSD’s top priority moving into the 2020-2021 School Year.
Close contact from person-to-person is the primary mode of transmission for COVID-19. As a result, physical distancing will be practiced whenever possible. Desks will be spaced out in all classrooms and these spaces will be disinfected as frequently as possible. The school district has also purchased various floor signs and posters as a reminder for those in the schools to remain physically distant whenever possible. These signs will also help direct foot traffic to help limit contact with others in the hallways and other high-use areas.
Even when physical distancing is possible, masks will be required for every individual in the school to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Students will also be encouraged to frequently wash their hands and use hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 through frequently touched surfaces.
“Moving into the school year with some obvious challenges, we as a custodial staff can assure you we will be doing all things possible to keep our schools clean and safe,” said head custodian Kurt Mitton.
The custodial staff will be focusing heavily on disinfecting touchpoints (doors, drinking fountains, etc.) and restrooms throughout the school year as well as using an effective new tool. Along with normal processes for disinfection, the custodial staff will be utilizing a new “fogging” system.
“The product is called PURE FX CLO2. It's a chemical compound so powerful it can be diluted 200 x more than bleach but has the same effectiveness,” said Mitton. The product is distributed through a machine in mist form to cover all surfaces and disinfect large areas in minutes. No wiping will be required and the product is FDA and EPA approved. This new process will take place every morning and after lunch throughout the schools and according to Mitton, gives the district confidence that schools will be kept clean.
Ideally, our goal is for everyone to stay healthy and to keep our schools open for in-person instruction. To have a chance at this ideal, it is important to work together. It is vital that parents keep their students home when they are ill. As an educational community, we commit to doing our best to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment for students to learn. For more information about how CCSD is preparing schools for a safe and healthy reopening, please view the Reopening Plan sent to parents this summer.