ABILENE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT: Abilene ISD Monitoring Situation with Coronavirus

By Press release submission

Feb 28, 2020

Abilene Independent School District issued the following announcement on Feb. 27

Given recent news coverage concerning the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), I want to assure you that Abilene ISD is monitoring the situation through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state and local health services. The CDC has stated that, at this time, the immediate risk to the U.S. public remains low. Please be assured that the Abilene ISD is working closely with local, state and federal health authorities to monitor the developing situation concerning the COVID-19.

In addition, the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District has confirmed that there are no cases of COVID-19 in Taylor County at the present.

State medical experts indicate that the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are the same recommendations for preventing the spread of the flu.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (see the CDC website for more information on handwashing).
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not available.
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 cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Receive a flu vaccine if you are over the age of 6 months.
Follow the CDC’s recommendations regarding the use of facemasks. Facemasks are not recommended for healthy people 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 or by health workers and people who are taking care of someone with COVID-19 symptoms.

Our schools are centers of community life, and educators must be integrally involved in state and local efforts to plan and prepare for a potential threat. We are working closely with the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District and Abilene’s medical community to monitor any changes in the health conditions of our community. AISD custodial staff members are disinfecting district facilities on a scheduled rotation.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children, schools and community healthy. For the latest information on the coronavirus, please visit the Texas Health and Human Services website at https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus. You can also visit the CDC website for updated information on the virus at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Original source can be found here.