LTUSD staff and students who traveled to COVID-19 affected countries asked to self-quarantine

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus COVID-19 in El Dorado County or South Lake Tahoe, but the Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board of Education and the district's leaders are keeping apprised of the situation. They have been collaborating with El Dorado County Public Health with guidance from the California Department of Public Health and Center for Disease Control to determine the best course of action to protect students and staff members while meeting their educational needs.

Even though not necessary and to be cautious, the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) has issued a directive to staff and students who traveled over the recent winter break to China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy, or Hong Kong, to self-quarantine and self-assess for 14 days beginning the date of their return.

So far, three of LTUSD teachers are currently on this assigned leave although none of them were in China and none have any symptoms of the virus. If a student traveled to any of these countries over the break, parents should contact their school site to arrange Independent Study.

"This is out of an abundance of caution – the incubation period of this virus is still unknown. Additionally, South Lake Tahoe is an international tourism hub and for this reason, the district feels it is prudent to take precautions greater than what may be recommended at this time," said LTUSD Public Information Officer Shannon Chandler. "The safety and security of our students and staff is our highest priority, and we are dedicated to doing everything possible to protect them."

Chandler said she will be updating parents and staff often in the coming weeks to "ensure our families receive timely and accurate information as the situation unfolds."