This page contains
information regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) from various
agencies. Updates will be posted as they become available.
**Updated March 25, 2020**
Questions about COVID-19 should be directed to the Kentucky
Department for Public Health’s hotline at (800) 722-5725.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage
Headlines
Feeding Sites Open During Covid-19 School Closures - As of March 20 3:25 PM EDT
COVID-19: Answers to FAQs for Kentucky’s Public School Families - March 13, 2020
COVID-19: Answers to FAQs for Kentucky’s Schools and Districts - March 13, 2020
COVID-19: Answers to FAQs for Student Teaching Coordinators - March 17, 2020
Communications from Kentucky Department of Education
Gov. Andy Beshear Message for Kentucky's Preschool-Aged Children - March 25, 2020
Kentucky students share how COVID-19 closures impact their lives - March 25, 2020
KDE cancels K-PREP testing for 2019-2020 school year - March 24, 2020
Education Continuation Task Force holds first virtual meeting - March 23, 2020
Gov. Beshear recommends school closure period be extended until April 20 - March 20, 2020
Kentucky to apply for testing waiver from U.S. Department of Education - March 20, 2020
Interim Commissioner Kevin C. Brown’s March 20 letter to families - March 20, 2020
KBE grants waiver allowing all 172 districts to utilize Non-Traditional Instruction amid COVID-19 crisis - March 18, 2020
Gov. Andy Beshear's Message to Kentucky's Children - March17, 2020 Press Conference
New KDE task force will aid districts during COVID-19 closure period - March 16, 2020
USDA grants waiver to allow Kentucky schools flexibility to serve students off-site meals - March 14, 2020
Interim Commissioner Kevin C. Brown’s March 13 letter to families - March 13, 2020
Special Superintendents Webinar – March 13, 2020
Non-Regulatory Guidance Regarding the Implementation of the Non-Traditional Instruction Program (NTI) for Students with Individual Education Programs (IEPs) During Novel Coronavirus Pandemic
- March 13, 2020
Kentucky Teacher: Special coronavirus edition - March 12, 2020
Gov.Beshear recommends schools close to limit spread of COVID-19 - March 12, 2020
Gov. Beshear asks superintendents to be prepared for school closures - March 11, 2020
Districts may apply for NTI waiver in case of emergency closures - March 11, 2020
Superintendents' Webcast about COVID-19 – March 9, 2020
Interim
Commissioner Kevin C. Brown’s March 8 letter to superintendents - March 8, 2020
Interim
Commissioner Kevin C. Brown’s Feb. 28 letter to superintendents - February 28, 2020
Communications
from the U.S. Department of Education
FAQs: FERPA & Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel
Information from the Kentucky Department for Public Health
The Kentucky Department for Public Health has prepared a
webpage based on what is currently known about 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak that began in Wuhan, China, in late December 2019. This information can be used to answer general questions that staff, students and parents may have.
Things to know:
Common coronaviruses are a set of seasonal viruses that cause infection in the nose, sinuses, and throat. Common coronaviruses can be detected on routine respiratory panels.
There is an outbreak in Wuhan, China, caused by a
new type of coronavirus: 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The outbreak in China quickly spread within the country and some other countries because novel coronavirus is spread the same way as other cold-causing viruses: by person-to-person contact.
Symptoms can show up between 2 to 14 days after exposure.
Symptoms include fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
Questions about COVID-19 should be directed to the Kentucky
Department for Public Health’s hotline at (800) 722-5725.
Influenza remains a primary concern.
As far as respiratory disease threats in Kentucky, influenza remains our biggest concern. Flu has killed more than 10,000 people in the United States this year. Continue to encourage staff and students to obtain the flu shot. You also can remind students how to stop the spread of germs by covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throwing the tissue in the trash, not having close contact with people who are sick, washing hands with soap and water, staying home when sick, and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Stay informed about COVID-19 through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and your state and local health departments.
Flu Plans
Districts are encouraged to review and update their flu plans as needed. If your district does not have a flu plan, we encourage you to develop one. Sample Flu Plan
The National Association of School Nurses has provided talking points for school nurses and other resources, including how to talk to children about the coronavirus. The information can be found
here.
The Kentucky School for the Deaf has created a video in sign language for the hearing impaired. The video can be viewed below.
Angie McDonald
Division of District Support
Office of Operations and Finance
300 Sower Blvd. – 4th Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 564-5279 Ext. 4430
Angela.Mcdonald@education.ky.gov