Columbia Public Schools reviews cleaning, communication protocol after virus case in Missouri

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Communication will be key, according to Columbia Public School leaders, as the district continues to monitor the spread of a deadly virus called COVID-19.

Superintendent Dr. Peter Stiepleman laid out the district's procedures for communication with federal and state entities for updates on the virus, the materials used to disinfect schools and more at Monday's Board of Education meeting.

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Custodians use a disinfectant daily, Stiepleman said, that is "effective against emerging pathogens."

He also said staff is continuing cleaning daily cleaning practices.

“This is the process we currently use, and we will continue doing it. Concentrating on cleaning and disinfecting our most-touched surfaces," said. "So that's doorknobs and push plates and light switches and drinking fountains, handrails, student desks, and tabletops and bathrooms.”

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recently advanced policy that would allow local school districts to implement alternative learning, according to CPS spokesperson Michelle Baumstark.

The change in policy would allow school districts to reduce the number of required school days in a year or transition to online courses if needed.

Stiepleman said no changes of that sort have been made.

A spokesperson with the Columbia/Boone Department of Health told ABC 17 News Monday morning that there is no reported case of COVID-19 in Boone County.

The first case of COVID-19 in Missouri was reported in St. Louis County after a woman tested positive on Saturday. Officials said she recently returned from a trip to Italy.

Cases have been reported in more than 30 other states, including in Kansas where someone in Overland Park tested positive for the disease.