Updates on February 21, 2020

• World Health Organization declared the novel Coronavirus as a Global Emergency on January 30, 2020.
• There is no evidence of community spread in Canada and the risk of acquiring the virus in the community remains low for York Region residents.

All York Region residents can take the following steps to protect themselves from new and emerging diseases, but also from the common cold and the flu which are on the rise at this time of year:

• Get vaccinated for the annual flu virus.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, including between your fingers, under your fingernails and your wrists; if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your cough or sneeze using a tissue or into your elbow or sleeve, being sure to cover your mouth; put used tissue in the garbage and wash your hands after or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school until your symptoms resolve.
• Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
• Increase cleaning and disinfection frequency of high-touch surfaces such as toilets, sink tap handles, doorknobs, countertops, light switches and other shared items using regular household cleaners.
• Avoid sharing personal items that come into contact with saliva such as toothbrushes, eating utensils drinks/water bottles and towels.

For school-related inquiries, please contact the School Principal, School Board Trustee and the School Board at www.yrdsb.ca (Public School Board) or www.ycdsb.ca (Catholic School Board).

It is important to follow official sources for updates. Visit www.york.ca/coronavirus or www.ontario.ca/coronavirus for more information, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.