GAINESVILLE - Hall County School System officials said they have received NO reports of any Ebola related issues at school. Still, they want to be ahead of the game when it comes to preparation.<br />
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Superintendent Will Schofield issued a statement Thursday morning, saying that school nurses, principals and teachers have been instructed on what to do should they suspect a case of Ebola.<br />
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"Our teachers have continued to receive some very detailed information from the Georgia Department of Community Health - we've forwarded that along all of the time," said Schofield. <br />
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"Again, we're going to continue to focus on the facts, focus on best practice. This is a perfect example of a situation where you really have to deal with it on a case-by-case basis."<br />
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Schofield said his office has received some calls from parents and community members who have questions about how the school system will address Ebola-preparedness. Still, he said those people who have asked don't appear worried - they just want information.<br />
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"We're trying to balance giving people all of the information that we have with not raising concern without merit," said Schofield.<br />
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The superintendent outlined in an email the measures the school system is taking when it comes to making sure employees are aware of what to do should circumstances concerning a possible Ebola case arise. Among those activities are:<br />
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~Principals are being directed to defer to the superintendent of schools about any enrollment or staffing decisions regarding individuals who may have been exposed to the Ebola virus. <br />
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~The Director of Student Services along with our Health Services Coordinator are continuously monitoring, tracking, and keeping abreast of updates and recommendations from local and state health authorities as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).<br />
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~The Health Services Coordinator is in continuous contact with all school nurses to provide updates and review current guidelines and recommendations issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health and the CDC.<br />
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~HCSD will share best-practice preparation and planning information with district leadership and principals.<br />
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"We'll keep our community updated," promised Schofield. "If we know something, not only with Ebola, but with anything else that affects your boys and girls...we'll do our dead-level best to make sure you know it."<br />
