Vineland Public Schools is taking all possible precautions to minimize for all students and staff the risk of exposure to “methicillin-resistant Staphoccusu aurus”, commonly known as MRSA, a subject of wide public concern because of outbreaks elsewhere.
“We want all of our students and employees to be as protected as possible and so we are ensuring that all of our routine cleaning procedures are effective against MRSA,” said Charles Ottinger, Superintendent of Schools.
On Tuesday, all of the district’s custodial staff attended a training session with representatives of the vendor that supplies the district with cleaning materials, said Wayne Weaver, Executive Director of Facilities.
“All of the cleaning agents we use are effective against MRSA, and other bacteria that can cause health threats,” said Weaver. “We scheduled the training session as a pro-active measure to be sure all of our staff are following proper cleaning procedures.”
Since the outbreaks also have implications for exposure to bacteria on athletic equipment, greater emphasis has been placed on education of student athletes, said Donald Robbins, Supervisor of Athletics.
“We’re educating them about proper care and cleaning of their athletic clothes and equipment to limit health risks,” said Robbins. “We’re also stressing the importance of frequent hand washing.
The Cumberland & Salem County Health Departments have published a comprehensive list of questions and answers about MRSA on their website: http://cshealth.org/