DETROIT – In an open letter to Michigan officials, Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Nikolai Vitti recommended ending the school year immediately because there are just too many questions about how to move forward.
He also thinks funding should be continued for the fiscal year, which would help districts set up online platforms for teachers to post lesson plans and have students submit coursework.
It would also allow districts to continue to pay teachers and staff. He wants to ensure that current seniors graduate based on the number of credits required minus this semester. The changes would be meant to better ensure the health of everyone.
The district had used 58 schools to distribute 70,000 grab and go meals so far, but because more employees have been getting sick it is limiting the number of sites to just 17 and for only two days a week.
The district is going to increase the number of meals students and their families can get.
Starting on Thursday, 17 schools will offer meals for pick up on Mondays and Thursdays. They’ll offer four pre-cooked breakfast meals and four lunch meals on Thursdays, and three each on Mondays.
When it comes to school lunches Detroit has a free program of its own. It offers breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday and you can get extra for the weekend.
Click here to learn more
MORE: Here’s which Michigan counties have confirmed cases of coronavirus
How COVID-19 Spreads
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
- Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who are not showing symptoms can still be carrying the virus and can still pass it on to other people.
Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How easily the virus spreads
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.
Prevention & Treatment
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
MORE: Beaumont Health launches coronavirus hotline for patients with symptoms
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.