Pulaski County students return to class Wednesday, and County Health Officer Dr. Rex Allman is urging all residents to do their part to keep them safe from COVID-19.
In a letter to the community Monday, Dr. Allman said both the Eastern Pulaski and West Central school districts “have taken extraordinary measures to prepare for in-class education,” but now it’s up to residents to slow the spread in the community. That means wearing face coverings, washing and sanitizing hands often, and maintaining social distancing.
Allman also urges residents who think they may have symptoms of COVID-19 or been in contact with someone who’s tested positive to call their doctor. Cooperate with state and local health officials when it comes to contact tracing, and make a plan, in case you or a family member has to self-quarantine. Allman also asks residents to plan ahead before going into crowded situations.
He expressed confidence that if community members work together to take the necessary precautions, children will be able to have as routine a school year as possible.
Here’s Pulaski County Public Health Officer Dr. Rex Allman’s Complete Letter:
Pulaski County Residents,
The beginning of a new school year brings a wide range of emotions for parents and students alike. The excitement of seeing friends, the nervousness of meeting a new teacher, and the transition back to a routine of daily education can undoubtedly affect everyone’s psyche. Unfortunately, this year we have the added stress of starting the school year off while the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to spread across much of the country.
Both Eastern Pulaski and West Central School Districts have taken extraordinary measures to prepare for in-class education. To assist in their success, I am imploring Pulaski County residents to take the necessary precautions in helping us slow the spread of COVID-19. Wearing facial coverings, washing and sanitizing your hands often, and maintaining social distancing are still the best tools we have in meeting this challenge. If we are to have schools remain open, we all must play a part in achieving that goal.
Below are a few things to consider as schools open:
- If you become ill, begin to experience symptoms of COVID-19, or feel you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, please call your primary care provider. Being properly diagnosed and treated will allow you to get well faster and protect those around you.
- Make a plan for if you or a family member is asked to self-quarantine. With cases continuing to spike all across the country, testing capacity remains strained. If you or a family member are tested for COVID-19, results may not come back for 7 days, or even longer in some cases.
- Have a plan for handling crowded situations. While wearing a mask and washing hands can help protect against the virus, removing yourself from situations where you may contract COVID is the best way to ensure you won’t get sick. This is not to say we can’t live our lives, but be smart about attending events and spaces with large crowds.
- If someone in your household tests positive for COVID-19, please work with state and local health officials for contact tracing. Having correct and useful information is vital to stopping a small outbreak of cases from becoming a much larger one.
We are indeed entering an uncertain and anxious time. The health and safety of our children are at the top of any parent’s priority list. Pulaski County has succeeded in keeping COVID-19 case numbers low, but we must remain vigilant if we are to continue that trend. Our intent is for children to have as routine a school year as possible – that means in class, with their friends, educated by their teachers. If we continue to work together as one community and take the necessary precautions, this is a goal I believe we can accomplish.
Here’s to a great school year for our students, teachers, administrators, and families.
Sincerely,
Rex Allman, MD
Pulaski County Public Health Officer
