Advice from Nurse Mindy:

As we close campus for the next few weeks, I want to assure you that there is scientific evidence that closing schools can be beneficial by delaying the peak of an epidemic. I know closing school is tough, especially before anyone is sick. "Flattening the curve" as they say, basically means we slow down the number of cases, and in turn, save lives.  We can cause the slow down by social distancing, such as school closures.  This is important because, if a too many people get infected all at the same time, the hospitals and ICUs will not have enough hospital beds or ventilators for people who need them.  Too few hospital beds and too many patients can be detrimental.  We are desperately trying to avoid an imbalance of needs and resources.  Closing schools is one of the most effective ways to slow contagion- along with thorough hand washing and developing a vaccine!

 The effectiveness of school closures is based on the premise that people stay home with their families and limit other contacts.  Please keep in mind, when parents "regroup" children, or if teens freely gather outside school, the closure won't be as effective.  PLEASE STAY HOME AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE - cancel parties, postpone trips - and definitely stay home if you or your children are sick!

If there is anything I can do for you while campus is closed, please let me know (mlouviere@ashrosary.org). In the meantime - stay home, wash your hands and enjoy the extra time spent with your family.  

Mindy D. Louviere, RN