Due to the recent outbreak of Coronavirus, North Hills has been taking steps and precautions to prepare students and staff for a potential outbreak.

The North Hills School District ensures, “Our custodians will  continue to disinfect and clean all desks, door knobs and other touched surfaces in our schools daily. NHSD uses hospital grade disinfectant chemicals that are classified as such by the Environmental Protection Agency.” North Hills officials will be meeting with Ross Township Police to discuss further action and will bee following the CDC guidelines.

The district also recommends that if a student gets sick, he or she should stay home for at least 24 hours after a fever has passed. Also, if a student has plans to travel abroad soon, they should check the Travel Health Notices by the CDC. The CDC reports that the common symptoms of the virus are common cold and flu symptoms, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The CDC recommends staying home from school and work if you think you are sick. 

The district plans to utilize its Flexible Instructional Days should school closures occur due to an outbreak. On February 7, 2020, North Hills had its first FID (Flexible Instructional Day). Due to a successful attendance rate, the district deems that using the FIDs days is a great substitute for a potential school closure due to an outbreak. According to the district website, North Hills had a  95.9% attendance rate on the first FIDs day compared to the 96% attendance that we had the first semester. North Hills is also preparing now before a known outbreak here in Pittsburgh. 

The CDC recommends not to share water bottles or food with the sick. The virus is known to be easily passed through spit and other body fluids.  The CDC also says that wearing a mask does not prevent you from catching the virus. They only recommend you wear one if you are already sick. Masks need to be saved for medical personnel. Many doctors say that washing your hands and staying away from the sick is best. For more information on the Travel Health notice, click here and for the official CDC webpage about Coronavirus, click here.