FCPS responds to coronavirus concerns

Fairfax County Public Schools has suspended all international field trips and short-term visits to and from counties identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as at risk for coronavirus, FCPS announced Feb. 26.

Currently there are no cases of COVID-19 infection (the official name of coronavirus) in Fairfax County, in Virginia, or in the D.C. region. According to the CDC, the risk to the U.S. public is considered low at this time, but FCPS is imposing the travel through June 30 with “an abundance of caution.”

The CDC has issued a travel warning advising Americans to avoid all non-essential travel to China and South Korea. Other destinations highlighted by the CDC include Iran, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan.

An email to the community from Superintendent Scott Brabrand says “FCPS is reviewing its existing influenza response plan and making any necessary revisions to respond to COVID-19 scenarios.” 

“FCPS’s response plan addresses the specific activities necessary to keep schools open and operating while providing a clean and safe environment during an outbreak and the essential functions that must be performed by FCPS, if schools are closed,” Brabrand states.