Hope Public Schools Transportation and Facilities Director Maurice Henry demonstrates the GenEon Mister device which is used with a broad-spectrum disinfectant to sanitize surfaces. The device is one of the tools the HPS will employ to protect students, faculty and employees from viral contamination. The HPS also has hand sanitizer stations deployed for use to clean hands to prevent contamination. – Ken McLemore/Hope Public Schools

HOPE – Hope Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bobby Hart issued a statement today regarding the Hope Public Schools’ active response to the presence of COVID-19 in Arkansas.

“We are following the lead of the Arkansas Department of Education, the Arkansas Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” Dr. Hart said. “We are actively planning actions to respond to their guidance. Currently there is no benefit to either students, staff or the community to close any campus or facility of the Hope Public Schools. We will continue to provide information to our patrons as it becomes feasible.”

Hart said parents can support their students and help them remain credibly informed by paying attention and being a good listener; allow them to ask questions; encouraging positive activities; and being a model of common-sense health habits.

Hart said the HPS will take active measures to respond to the situation as warranted, and he suggested parents of students refer to the ADE website at www.ade.arkansas.gov online for additional credible information regarding Arkansas schools.

All spring interscholastic events have been suspended by the Arkansas Activities Association, Hart said. The AAA issued a statement suspending “all spring interscholastic competition starting Sunday, March 15, 2020, until Monday, March 30, 2020.”

Hart said AAA will announce its assessment of the situation on March 30.

The Arkansas Department of Health has also created a general informational hotline which parents can use for questions about the illness at 1-800-803-7847.