The Cumberland County School System has issued a statement regarding being prepared for the coronavirus.

The state’s first confirmed case, a 44-year-old male, was announced this week just south of Nashville.

The statement from the Cumberland County School System is as follows:

“Given the recent and elevated attention to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) in national and local media, the school system is working closely with the Cumberland County Health Department as well as the Tennessee Department of Health under the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to monitor the situation and get the latest recommendations.

As in the past, Cumberland County Schools will be vigilant in efforts to prevent the spread of all viruses in the community and in the schools.

The district is increasing efforts to reinforce proper hygiene practices and cleaning methods to protect students and employees from illnesses such as the cold, flu and coronavirus.

At this time, Cumberland County school nurses are working to keep the school environment safe by sending students home when they exhibit signs of fever or flu-like symptoms.

Custodial personnel are deep cleaning and disinfecting highly used areas throughout the schools such as desks, countertops, light switches, door knobs, water fountains, and other frequently touched areas throughout the day and the evening.

The transportation department has been diligent in their efforts as well to clean and disinfect the school buses on a daily basis.

The cafeteria staff are cleaning areas that are in use often such as tray lines, tables, water dispensers and other high contact areas.

School employees will continue to encourage students to wash their hands multiple times daily and model proper handwashing.

Parents are encouraged to reinforce hygiene principles at home with students as well.

The Cumberland County School System continues to be proactive during the coming weeks and work with health officials to make any adjustments necessary to ensure the safest environment possible for the students and employees.”

As of March 6, 2020, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in our coverage area