GORMAN ISD CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Dear Parents and Students,
As you are all aware, the concern over the coronavirus is mounting across the country. I have been and am currently monitoring what TEA, the CDC, and health professionals are telling us about the virus. I have participated in a conference call with Area Superintendents this morning, and there is a press conference with the Governor at noon and with the TEA Commissioner at 3 this afternoon, that I will be participating in as well. Please be patient as we monitor this developing situation. I will send out more information later this afternoon.
As of right now, and I mean at this moment only as things may change, we are still planning on having school on Monday.
If anyone traveled to an area during spring break where you feel you might have been exposed, you should consider if self-quarantine is necessary. The most important prevention is hand washing. If you suspect that you have been exposed to the coronavirus, please contact your doctor immediately.
Again, I will be sending out more information later this afternoon. It is indeed Friday the 13th!
Sincerely,
Mike Winter
Superintendent
Gorman ISD
Here are a few things you can do to help with Coronavirus prevention:
▪ Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
▪ Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.
▪ Know the signs and symptoms of the Coronavirus. A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.
▪ Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen oracetaminophen). Don’t go to class or work.
• Talk with your health care provider about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu. At this time, there is no vaccine to prevent the Coronavirus. Currently, there is no information from published scientific reports about susceptibility of pregnant women or children to Coronavirus. While there is no published information, pregnant women experience immunologic and physiologic changes which might make them more susceptible
to viral respiratory infections, including Coronavirus. There is no evidence that children are more susceptible. People at higher risk for Coronavirus complications include those with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes) and the elderly.
▪ Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
▪ Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.
▪ Know the signs and symptoms of the Coronavirus. A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.
▪ Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen oracetaminophen). Don’t go to class or work.
• Talk with your health care provider about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu. At this time, there is no vaccine to prevent the Coronavirus. Currently, there is no information from published scientific reports about susceptibility of pregnant women or children to Coronavirus. While there is no published information, pregnant women experience immunologic and physiologic changes which might make them more susceptible
to viral respiratory infections, including Coronavirus. There is no evidence that children are more susceptible. People at higher risk for Coronavirus complications include those with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes) and the elderly.
Countries that have a Level 3 Travel Health Notice(widespread, ongoing transmission):
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China
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Iran
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South Korea
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Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City
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While not considered Level 3, also be aware that major cities and the East and West coasts are also areas to be aware of. (My comment-MW)