The Contra Costa County Department of Public Health has advised the San Ramon Valley Unified School District to re-open Coyote Creek Elementary School on Wednesday, May 6th. The recommendation comes after the original advisement by health department officials to close the school for seven days. Based on new recommendations from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Contra Costa County Health Department is no longer advising schools to close due to the H1N1 virus.

 

The District dispatched a sanitizing crew to Coyote Creek on Monday and Tuesday to spend two full days sanitizing and disinfecting the school following the school’s closure due to two “probable” cases of the H1N1 influenza virus.

 

“We can’t wait to welcome back all of our students and staff members several days earlier than expected,” said Marsha Tokuyoshi, principal at Coyote Creek Elementary. “Obviously, we will still remain vigilant regarding students who may feel ill, but we are excited to get back to the business of teaching and learning.”

 

The CDC has indicated that most US cases are not severe and are similar to the seasonal flu we see in the wintertime. While Contra Costa Health Services will continue to closely monitor the situation, we have been advised by Contra Costa Health Services that all schools may remain open and any schools that were closed can re-open. Students who are not sick can safely come to school.

 

The County Health Department is advising all individuals who are sick with influenza-like illness to stay home for at least 7 days, even if they feel better earlier. Those who have symptoms for more than 7 days should have no fever for 24 hours before returning to school.

 

If you have questions, please contact your healthcare provider or school nurse. Other information is available at:

 

• http://cchealth.org

• The Health Emergency Information Line: 1-888-959-9911