The following information was sent via email to all families with students in the Olmsted Falls City School District on the afternoon of Monday, March 9th.  (Additional updates will be posted as further communication occurs.) 

To All OFCS Families:

The health and well-being of our students and staff is the top priority for Olmsted Falls City Schools. News coverage of the international coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and its impact here in the United States certainly has everyone thinking about the importance of illness prevention and planning. As we follow advice from the Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Health, let's take a deep breath and be certain that we remain calm. 

As you have likely heard, there are officially three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Ohio.  According to news reports, in all three cases, exposures happened outside of the state and the individuals are now on home quarantine.  There are currently no reported cases of coronavirus or exposure to coronavirus locally in our school district.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever and lower respiratory tract issues such as cough and shortness of breath.  While we hope that the risk of COVID-19 in our area remains low, Olmsted Falls City Schools will continue to monitor the situation closely and follow the guidance of our state and local health officials.  In our school buildings, our custodial staff continue to remain vigilant in their daily cleaning of classrooms and common areas. 

The recommendations for preventing the spread of coronavirus are the same as preventing the spread of the flu. As parents and community members, you can help support these efforts by:

• Keeping your child home from school if they are feeling sick.  (Do not let students return to school until they have been fever free without medication for at least 24 hours.)
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
• Covering coughs and sneezes.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces. 

Specifically, we have been asked about the upcoming 8th Grade Trip to Washington D.C., scheduled for April 1, 2 & 3.  An email will be sent out to all 8th grade parents later this week regarding back-up plans that may need to be put in place.

If you are interested in additional information on coronavirus, below please find links to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as our local Cuyahoga County Board of Health: 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/

https://www.ccbh.net/coronavirus/

Thank you again for your efforts at home to assist in minimizing the spread of illness in our local school community.  Like all area school districts, we remain in contact with the Cuyahoga County Department of Health. We will continue to keep our families informed regarding any updates that impact our local schools.  In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.  

Dr. Jim Lloyd, Superintendent

Olmsted Falls City School District

26937 Bagley Rd.

Olmsted Township, OH 44138

Phone: 440-427-6000

Twitter: @OFCSSuper

Web: www.ofcs.net