Horizon International Bilingual School, Hanoi Campus' official statement regarding 2019-nCov

Dear Parents,

In light of the recent declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus as a global health emergency, and in line with international efforts to stop the spread of the virus, Horizon International Bilingual School has decided to take necessary safety measures:

1. Classes in all levels from Kindergarten to Grade 12 are suspended, and the campus will be closed until February 9. In the meantime, daily school work will be assigned by subject teachers through Google Classroom for students in grades 3-12. Students will be expected to continue their studies and accomplish assigned tasks at home until classes resume on February 10. Grades 1 and 2 students must practice mathematics and language arts skills on IXL and read books and/or work on assigned projects on MyON. Students will be given further details by their subject and homeroom teachers.

Upon the re-opening of the school;

2. Students, teachers, staff, and families who are returning to school from infected areas, or who have had direct contact with people from infected areas are required to stay home and monitor their health for a period of 14 days from arrival/contact. All students are required to secure medical clearance which is to be submitted to the school nurse upon returning, especially if any related symptoms are exhibited.

3. Any student, parent or guardian who has travelled to any infected area after 13 January 2020, shall not be allowed to pick up and drop off students from home to school and vice versa, and are not to enter the school’s campus for 14 days from the date of return to Hanoi.

4. Parents should inform the school if students have travelled to China or any other infected area, as well as the student's current health status- especially if the student is displaying symptoms such as fever, coughing, and shortness of breath.

5. Everyone is urged to protect themselves and others by staying home and away from crowded areas. This can be done by wearing surgical masks, and by practising proper hygiene. This includes frequent hand washing and sanitizing, covering your mouth with a disposable tissue when you cough or sneeze, disposing of masks and tissues in a responsible manner, not rubbing your eyes, and using your own drinking bottle. 

6. The school will provide medical masks and hand sanitizers for teachers, staff and students.

7. Body temperature of all school teachers, staff, and students will be checked upon entry to the school, as well as at various times during the day. Anyone who has a fever will not be allowed to enter the school and parents will be contacted immediately.

8. Bus monitors will ensure  that students entering the bus wear masks and disinfect their hands during pick-up and drop-off.

9. A meeting with all teachers and staff about disease prevention and control methods will be organized. Homeroom teachers will present this information to all students to ensure the chances of the virus spreading is lessened.

10. Our Operations Team is attending to health and safety precautionary steps such as disinfecting the school grounds with Cloramin B sprayers (used by schools and hospitals in Vietnam) in addition to the regular cleaning of surfaces and furniture in all classrooms. Classrooms will also be locked to ensure students do not stay in class during breaktime. Kitchen staff will also be required to use masks and gloves. Food will be well-cooked to kill bacteria and vinegar will be used for washing  dishes.

11. The School Management is coordinating closely with the Hanoi Department of Education and Training (DOET) as the government’s arm overseeing decisions relevant to schooling.

12. Finally, our students will NOT be travelling to Thailand for the International Math Challenge this February 20th as a precautionary measure against unforeseen medical developments abroad. Additionally, all school activities will be cancelled until further notice.

USEFUL LINKS:

• Background, transmission, symptoms: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

• Situation summary: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html#risk-assessment 

• International travel advice from WHO: https://www.who.int/ith/2020-24-01-outbreak-of-Pneumonia-caused-by-new-coronavirus/en/

• News and assistance: https://www.internationalsos.com/

Remaining responsible, and vigilant of the evolving details surrounding this global health crisis is key to maintaining the health and safety of everyone. Kindly discuss information and precaution with your children in an appropriate manner. We wish everyone the best of health.  

Thank you.

Faridin Radzhaboev

Principal