March 12, 2020
Dear LearnServe Community,
We are reaching out today with an update regarding LearnServe’s approach to the novel Coronavirus outbreaks. We are monitoring The Centers for Disease Control website and will be following CDC as well as WHO recommendations, and follow guidance from DCPS, MCPS, PGCPS and the DC Department of Health. We have been reviewing and updating our plans, and sharing with our staff and students prevention tips from the CDC (shared below).
At this point, we are developing our plans for programs and events:
Fellows Program – we cancelled today’s Fellows meeting to give us time to develop alternative approaches, such as virtual sessions via videoconferencing or phone. We are considering a range of options, recognizing that families will have different levels of ability to engage in online learning.
Abroad Program – as of 3/12/2020, there are 1-3 confirmed cases in Jamaica, Paraguay, and South Africa. There are not yet any reports of cases in Zambia. We continue to monitor the situation closely and are considering options of canceling or postponing the trips. You can find our latest communication about the Abroad Program here.
LearnServe Gala – we are considering rescheduling the event.
The LearnServe leadership team and board will meet Friday 3/13/2020 to review the situation.
Expect to receive regular communications from LearnServe about COVD-19 and our evolving plans to keep our community safe and healthy. Please let us know if you have any questions.
All the best,
Sabine and Scott
Co-Directors
LearnServe International
Disease Prevention Tips from the CDC
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and certainly if your commute includes public transit.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- 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 wipes.
- Stay home when sick. This is the most important measure our community members can take to protect each other. Please be on the lookout for symptoms such as fever, frequent coughing, body aches, and difficulty breathing. If you observe such symptoms while at home, please do not attend programs. Contact your doctor.