Dear Devine ISD Parents/Guardians,
We want to make sure you have accurate information regarding how DISD is handling concerns about the coronavirus and recent media coverage surrounding the respiratory illness. I want to assure you that DISD is keeping track of the situation through proven and trustworthy sources: Medina Health Care Unit, San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, the Texas Department of State Health Services DSHS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are following their guidance regarding appropriate screening and infection control. These health officials believe the risk to the San Antonio area and our school community is low at this time. A meeting of San Antonio area school Superintendents will take place this week to further discuss the concerns with health officials, along with plan for the continuation of educational services for our students should schools be affected in any way.
Based on the current information, health officials are recommending local communities and schools should take the same steps to protect against coronavirus as we take to prevent the spread of everyday illnesses like the common cold or the flu:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
While a new type of illness can be alarming, we can help protect our students, teachers, and community by using simple everyday actions that protect people from other types of respiratory viruses. Our teachers, school nurses, and staff are working carefully to encourage these simple and effective habits of frequent handwashing, covering every cough or sneeze, and cleaning classroom tables/surfaces frequently. This is important not just to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, but to help prevent the spread of other infections that can lead to student illness and absences.
For updated information on the coronavirus, please visit: https://www.sanantonio.gov/Health/News/Alerts/CoronaVirus
DSHS has established an email for specific coronavirus questions at coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Todd Grandjean