Coronavirus

Unless you have been living under a rock you may have heard of a little virus spreading called Coronavirus. This little gem of a germ is causing all sorts of havoc on people’s health as well as the global economy.

I teach first grade. Let me clue you in on what they do. Little kids have their fingers everywhere! In their noses, eyes, ears, and mouths. They then put their fingers in their friend’s noses, eyes, ears, and mouths. It is what they do. This virus does not scare me. It is made from the same genetic makeup as the common flu. Yes, it stinks. Yes, it can be fatal. But I am on the front lines every day with human Petri dishes.

My Part

This is what I am doing. I am cleaning like a madwoman. I am wiping down keyboards, doorknobs, faucets, door jams, lockers, desks, and even pencils! Yes, pencils. Let’s just say fingers are not the only thing to go in noses! But they’re kids. It can be hard to keep anything out of their noses at that age, but they really need to try for the sake of everyone around them. The one thing that can be guaranteed though is that I’m doing everything I can to make sure that we as staff and the children are safe at all times throughout the day. Before my children go to snack or lunch we wash hands with soap, water, and FRICTION! When we come in from recess we wash our hands again. When kids walk into my classroom they are greeted with a great big bottle of Purell! The Coronavirus can be killed with Purell! I am trying to stop the germs at the door. I will do my part. Please do yours!

Your part.

PLEASE do not send your child to school sick. Please don’t give them medicine and ask them to try to make it through the day. I know it is hard. Trust me! I have done the paper, rock, scissors routine with my husband to see who is staying home with a sick kiddo! If your kid is showing any signs of illness (Coronavirus, stomach flu, barfs…ANYTHING) please keep them home. I have seen the barfs take out an entire classroom! It is selfish and not fair to the other kids and families.

Some schools have been forced to close indefinitely and many of them will turn to virtual learning to ensure that students continue to get their education. This can provide all sorts of challenges for parents, but you’ve got to try your best to take it in your stride.

The shelf life of this virus seems to vary. To be safe the CDC has put out guidelines. These are great guidelines to follow! Furthermore making sure that you are buying the appropriate facemasks for when you are up and about is vital to make sure that you are reducing the risk of spreading or getting the virus on your trip to get food and other supplies. We will make it!

I am sure this virus has only just begun to flex its nasty hate-filled RNA strip. It is not a respecter of persons. Young and old, rich and poor…all are getting it. For most, it is a bump in the road. A visit to the doctors. A chance to tell a good story. To others, it can be fatal so don’t take it lightly. If you are symptomatic STAY HOME! Take care of yourself. Wash your hands, keep your fingers out of noses and press on!