With new information emerging daily about the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) respiratory illness, Ceres Unified School District (CUSD) remains committed to monitoring developments and following recommendations from the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency (SCHSA) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). 

Two adult male residents of Stanislaus County tested positive for the novel coronavirus according to a press release from SCHSA this morning. One case is known to be travel-related, while the source of the other is still under investigation.

Ceres Unified shared the news on its Coronavirus Information web page.

“We want to keep CUSD families, staff, and the community updated on measures we are already taking, as well as plans and preparations in place, to support health and safety within our school communities,” Ceres Unified officials stated.

On March 7, the CDPH and California Department of Education issued new School Guidance meant to slow the spread of COVID-19 across the state and safeguard those who are most vulnerable to severe illness. 

CUSD is already following the guidance for Scenario 1.

Measures underway to prevent the spread of COVID-19 include: isolating and sending home students and staff who present with fever and/or respiratory infection symptoms and/or who have returned from high-risk (Level 3) areas within the past 14 days, cleaning/disinfecting frequently touched surfaces with products known to kill viruses, and encouraging students, families, and staff to take everyday preventive measures such as staying home when sick, practicing “respiratory etiquette,” and washing hands often.  

CUSD maintenance crew distributed a new shipment of 1,000 gallons of alcohol-based hand sanitizer to classrooms, cafeterias and common areas on March 10.

In addition, the district has canceled/restricted all non-essential, previously approved out-of-county travel and field trips to locations that have confirmed “community spread” cases. 

As of today, these locations are Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, San Francisco County, Sacramento County, Contra Costa County, and Solano County.

The list will be reviewed daily, with updates sent to families and staff via ParentSquare.

 “We will continue to plan and prepare for changing circumstances, and will communicate new information as it becomes available,” CUSD officials stated.