The Lower Kuskokwim School District is the largest in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Like many school districts, LKSD is currently discussing how to handle the coronavirus outbreak that has infected more 100,000 people worldwide. There have been no confirmed cases in Alaska as of Tuesday, March 10, but there nine people being tested.
LKSD Superintendent Dan Walker says that like a lot of people, he’s watching and waiting.
"Right now we’re focused on preventative measures right now, educating students, staff, and families about some of the best practices for washing hands. Making sure, related to respiratory hygiene, that we’re following those protocols," Walker said.
LKSD has 27 schools and roughly 4,000 students in its jurisdiction. Walker says that they have been meeting daily about what to do if there is a coronavirus outbreak in Bethel. They participated in emergency management meetings with the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation.
"Making sure you wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. Making sure you cough in the crook of your elbow. Maybe not shaking hands," Walker said.
As students leave for spring break this month, LKSD is requiring their village schools to wash down everything. Especially surfaces that people touch, which will be an ongoing practice as spring break ends and people come back.
The district is not currently restricting domestic travel for students and employees like some school districts in the state, but Walker says that they could restrict school-related travel should there be an outbreak in the Y-K Delta. As for canceling school, Walker says that will be considered on a case by case basis. Most of LKSD’s schools can only be reached by plane, or by the ice road in winter.
Meanwhile, Walker encourages parents to read the guidelines that LKSD has posted on both social media and their website.