School district implements new protocol as Coronavirus spreads
This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically. A novel coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. The illness caused by this virus has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
March 7, 2020
Humble Independent School District released an update to students, parents and faculty describing what precautions the district is taking in light of the rapid spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19.
The note, posted on Mar. 6 to the district website’s Health Services page, listed the rules and regulations the district has put in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in its schools. Because many families were travelling over spring break, the district urged those travelling to at-risk countries, such as China, Iran, South Korea and Italy, to report their travels immediately to both the district Health Services office and the school the student is attending.
Students or staff who have travelled to or through these countries will be monitored and screened by campus health officials and nurses before returning to school, according to the website. Absences from Mar. 16-27 will not count towards exemptions or perfect attendance awards.
Other measures the district is taking to protect its students and faculty are the “deep cleaning and disinfection” of all schools and school buses. They are also informing and training all nurses on the proper protocol to follow when a student has flu-like symptoms, and keeping staff members, students and the community updated and educated on the threat of the virus.
The district asks any student who is ill, especially with flu-like symptoms such as a fever, to stay home from school until they do not show signs of illness. Thoroughly washing hands with soap and water often is also a great way to keep clean and prevent the spread of any sickness.
