A novel coronavirus called SARS-coV-2 (formally called 2019-nCoV) has emerged out of Wuhan, China. In the following weeks since its emergence, the virus has spread to multiple countries around the world, including the United States. The illness that SARS-CoV-2 causes is COVID-19. Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear 2-14 days after exposure and include:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Current case counts in the United States are available on the CDC website. Current case counts in Texas are available on the DSHS website.
www.cdc.gov/coronavi rus/2019-ncov/index. html
www.dshs.texas.gov
Prevention:
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. These everyday actions can all prevent exposure to other respiratory viruses as well.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC's recommendations for using a facemask. CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if visibly dirty.
DSHS Call Center:
Texas Department of State Health Services has a dedicated call center to answer your COVID-19 related questions or concerns. To find more information about COVID-19, please visit the CDC or DSHS websites or call the number below.
DSHS COVID 19 Call Center: 1-877-570-9779
Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Monday - Friday
Resources/Info:
www.fbchhs.org/home- hhs
www.cityofkaty.com/g overnment/city-depar tments/fire-departme nt/office-of-em
KATY ISD:
"Over the past few weeks, Katy ISD has been actively monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation and has remained in constant contact with health officials who have been providing guidance and recommendations. As you know, the number of confirmed cases of individuals infected with the virus throughout the Houston greater area has continued to increase within the past week. Because the safety of our students, staff, and families is a top priority, we have decided to act out of an abundance of caution to protect everyone's health and wellbeing by postponing the return from spring break by at least one week. In addition, all campus events, field trips, student trips and UIL practices and competitions are postponed beginning Friday March 13, 2020 and throughout the closure. We will keep our community informed on whether the temporary closure will need to extend beyond March 22. Currently, we are reviewing and considering options for resuming instruction via online virtual learning should the District need to extend the closure. Information will be shared about this soon.
The temporary closure will allow the District, state and local health officials to better evaluate the extent of COVID-19 spread within our community and ensure those needing to self-quarantine may do so prior to returning to school. Information concerning COVID-19 and the impact in the Houston greater area is rapidly evolving. As such, Katy ISD will continue to provide updated information to our students, staff and families throughout the week. We ask our community to continue to follow the guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention regarding safety practices to inhibit the spread of COVID-19.
We know parents may also be concerned about instruction, attendance and exemptions during the extended break. Information about these items will be available on the Katy ISD Health Update web page within the coming week.
Should you have any questions or concerns related to this matter, please feel free to email the District at
[email protected].
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to protect the health and safety of our students and community."
www.katyisd.org
