WCPSS still cleaning tables with water... update and TAKE ACTION

I just watched the end of the live press conference from WCPSS about their plan and preparation in light of everything going on with the potential of coronavirus reaching our nation/community. I won't say I heard anything that gave me any indication they had an actual plan, but that's just my opinion.

But I did see others commenting on both WRAL and WTVD's live feeds on Facebook about the water-only cleaning policy in WCPSS. Which brought this all back to mind - - again. We are seeing so much flu right now. Add in this coronavirus fear. All of the CDC warnings and government and media updates. Not to mention other sicknesses that spread this time of year, too. And yet, WCPSS still has the policy to clean their cafeteria tables and classroom surfaces with water only -- until children are out of the space for the day or for 30 minutes drying time.

I feel like I've talked this subject to death in my brain and on so many community posts. The fact is, I don't know the solution to what they need to use to clean. I don't know how/if they need to adjust the schedule in the cafeteria or after snack in the classroom to allow for proper cleaning. I don't know what product is best. I'm not an infectious disease expert and I'm not an employee of the WCPSS Health Services team. The task for a solution likes with them seeking input from experts (which are a-plenty around our area) and fixing it.

I sure hope and pray it doesn't take an outbreak of this new virus to make them change. Because it should have happened already. They continue to ignore our petition after I presented it to the school board and media has covered it repeatedly. I don't see them changing a thing unless the CDC or government requires them to do so.

Here's what I know from recent conversations with the Wake County and NC Health Departments that oversee food and cleaning regulations:

• Wake County Health Department abides by regulations passed down from the state.
• The state has strict cleaning procedures in place in daycare facilities, but made the call somewhere along the way that once kids reach kindergarten their immune system is robust enough that they can step out of that area of regulation.
• Regulations WCPSS must follow only apply to food prep surfaces, or where food makes direct contact. (I'd argue there's direct contact all over these tables. They are kids. But, I digress.)
• WCPSS would NOT be doing anything against regulations if they went ABOVE what the state/county have in place and clean/sanitize the tables or desks. The only have to follow directions stated on the cleaning solution. 
• Schools (some) are cleaning tables. This is an administrative decision at their school. And they are not doing anything wrong by law. Kudos to those administrators!

My understanding after conversations I've had -- WCPSS can allow for cleaning, be it soap/water, diluted bleach to a safe level, Clorox wipes, baby wipes, whatever. They would not be penalized if following directions on the cleaner.

In my mind, due to flu, immediately get soap/water cleaning and rinsing of the tables in the cafeteria by an adult in place. This is a step above water, for sure. Cleaning has been done in years past before they changed their policy. Go back to their old policy. Research a new one and implement it. Respond to the concerned parents. DO SOMETHING.

The bottom line is, right now, we see press conferences about the fear of the coronavirus. Flu is everywhere. They have so many little lives and families to do our best to protect. And they are failing.

The Department of Health and Human Services states under "How can you protect yourself?" with regards to the coronavirus to:

"Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.

The actions listed above will also protect people against influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other respiratory infections that are common in North Carolina and the U.S. this time of year."

And WCPSS does not. At least not at the times that are crucial -- when the kids are using the spaces. Flu and coronavirus germs can't survive overnight, or usually even after a few hours. So, cleaning after lunch for everyone or at the end of the day is not really doing that much where flu and coronavirus are concerned. 

WCPSS needs to LISTEN to the concerned parents. And TAKE ACTION. Go to their Twitter page. Go to their Facebook page. Tell them: Clean our kids' surfaces with something other than water. Follow DHHS Guidelines. Point them to the petition at www.cleanourtables.com. Use the hashtag #cleanourtables. 

Make them hear us.