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CMS gives update on personal hygiene at schools as coronavirus spreads globally

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools parent Leah Abrams said she's stepping up clean hygiene as the coronavirus continues to spread globally and hopes the district does the same.

"To be honest with you, when the cold and flu season hit, anyway, as a parent, we put on the double measures to make sure everything is sanitized," Abrams said.

CMS updated families Friday night saying officials are preparing.

They met with other school leaders to discuss best practices and are reinforcing cleaning standards, among other measures.

CMS posted the update to Facebook and several parents commented about their concern after students said there was no soap at their schools.

"My daughter has told me several times, and my son has told me several times that there's no soap or even hand sanitizer in the bathrooms," said Abrams.

Another parent said: "I've been in the restrooms there plenty of times and I've never experienced that.”

Over the weekend, CMS responded: "We are constantly working to ensure every student has adequate access to cleaning supplies. As students wash their hands more often, we will continue to frequently restock soap supplies to ensure student safety. We have informed our operations team, and our custodial staff will be addressing this matter promptly. Thank you for reaching out and making us aware. Please notify your child’s principal if the bathroom at school does not have soap or paper towels."

CMS officials told Channel 9 Monday that building services staff have said they have soap and paper towels or hand dryers in all the schools.

A district rep sent Channel 9 a statement today: "Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools works diligently to replenish all needed supplies in school restrooms as quickly as possible. All custodial staff are working with principals to ensure areas of need are addressed quickly. The district is encouraging students to remain diligent in their efforts to focus on hygiene and be certain not to be wasteful in the use of supplies."

Abrams said while it's an issue her children have noticed, it's everyone’s responsibility to keep each other healthy. She said it's best to send kids to school with sanitizer, if possible.

“The schools and the community, they have to give us support, as well as we give them,” Abrams said. “We have to work together.”

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