Dear Parents,

We continue to plan for the safety of our community and the continuity of learning.

The WHO declares COVID-19 a pandemic. Meaning that countries must now focus on containing the virus and even more on preparation within health services and promoting community solidarity for social distancing, other essential protective policies and protecting the aged.

In the March 09, 2020 WHO briefing, the Director-General said, “We are not at the mercy of this virus. All countries must aim to stop transmission and prevent the spread of COVID-19, whether they face no cases, sporadic cases, clusters or community transmission. Let hope be the antidote to fear. Let solidarity be the antidote to blame. Let our shared humanity be the antidote to our shared threat”. More disturbing is today’s announcement in declaring a pandemic, where the Director-General states, “We are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity and by the alarming levels of inaction,” – WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

We are all witnessing the impact of COVID-19 on the victims, the public, the health-care system, the economy, the environment, politics and even pop culture (all the public cancellations). As of today, there are now 113 countries with detected coronavirus. Just one week ago, the number was 72. There are now 118,326 total cases reported globally ,there were 90,869 cases one week ago.

Please note the following changes effective Tuesday 10 March:

– Only one adult per family is permitted onto the campus at drop off and collection

Please be aware:

– Food choices are limited in the canteen and students are served. This ensures health and hygiene

– School transport may not operate if cases of COVID-19 increase within Phnom Penh

– If children are sick, they should remain at home. If children come to school and are returned home due to a high fever or symptoms they will be excluded for 48 hours.

We advise that infants, young child and elderly family members should not visit the school.

Please be rest assured we are in communication with other International Schools within Phnom Penh supporting each other with guidance as we move forward.

Any school members traveling to or from Siem Reap (city area) will need to declare this and can be excluded for 3 days from school; for the sake of the community. This time may be extended as per health recommendations. Please contact the school by phone immediately.

This includes anyone in the student’s family, living in the same residence.

Please advise the school office of any travel plans you have for the upcoming holiday from March 19-22.

If the Ministry of Education decides to close schools (due to a sharp increase of cases within Phnom Penh), we are planning a plan to deliver lessons online. We ask that parents ensure children have access to technology (iPad or laptop preferably) to ensure continuity of learning.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we endeavour to continue learning and keep the community safe.

Paul Grisewood

Head of School