March 7, 2020

The Muscatine Community Schools continues to monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The situation has been dynamic due to the on-going spread and developing knowledge of the virus. Due to our concern for the health and safety of students, staff, and community members, MCSD is following the Iowa Department of Health’s recommendation and advice from the Centers for Disease Control to postpone or cancel any foreign travel and to evaluate any national travel.

The district cannot prevent or influence the travel plans of individuals or families. The district is putting a hold on any school-directed or school-led international travel. The district will continue to monitor the situation to determine future actions. The intent of MCSD is to act in accordance within the recommendations of local, state, and national health professionals. 

The following is guidance from Iowa Department of Public Health regarding Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) and how travel has been impacted by this disease:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently recommending that schools postpone or cancel all international trips.

• The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is currently recommending that schools should consider postponing or canceling trips within the US that could expose students and staff to potential community spread of COVID-19.

• The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) states that schools should consult with IDPH or their local health department to discuss the COVID-19 risk associated with specific out-of-state travel locations.

• The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is currently recommending that students and staff returning from travel to areas with community spread of COVID-19 must follow the guidance they have received from public health.

Again, it is with this recommendation and guidance that all international student trips be postponed or canceled until further notice.  Trip participants need to contact the travel company organizing their trip to discuss refund or transfer options. Furthermore, we will continue to monitor the information that is provided by IDPH regarding domestic travel.

We are monitoring this situation daily and will follow up with additional information on the return to school process for students and staff that choose to travel.  The return to school process will be based on guidance from Muscatine County Public Health, Iowa Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization.

Jerry Riibe
Superintendent

K-12 Administrator Guidance from IPDH