Eagle Pass ISD Extends Spring Break by One Week Until March 20th Due to Coronavirus
(Press Release) Dear Eagle Pass I.S.D. Family,
Prior to spring break, as well as during, Eagle Pass ISD has continued to actively monitor developments regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) in conjunction with local and state public health officials and Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
With the declaration of a “state of disaster” by Governor Greg Abbott and the alert from the World Health Organization designating COVID-19 as a pandemic, we understand that proactive measures are superior to reactive measures.
Therefore, because of the rapidly evolving nature of this situation and out of an abundance of caution, Eagle Pass ISD is joining San Antonio and area districts to extend Spring Break the week of March 16 – 20 to help prevent exposure to students, staff and the community.
We do not make this decision lightly. I fully realize it presents significant difficulties to working parents who have young, school-aged children. However, we are hopeful that these measures will better ensure the long-term health and safety of children, staff, and the larger community.
All extracurricular activities, practices and athletic events are suspended during this extension of Spring Break. Additionally, all UIL events have been suspended until March 29, 2020.
I am asking all staff, students, families to please refrain from traveling and engaging in high risk activities during this extra time afforded in order to make our school community as safe as it can possibly be.
All facilities have undergone extensive cleaning and we will also take this week to further clean schools and buses and resupply custodial and nursing supplies.
The coronavirus is thought to be spread via person-to-person contact through contaminated air droplets from coughing and sneezing by an infected person. We encourage everyone to do the following:
• Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the restroom and before food prep.
• Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands or in the air. Always try to use a tissue.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
• As a reminder if you have traveled during spring break, follow the CDC guidelines regarding the need for health monitoring and possible self-quarantine.
As you know, this is a rapidly-developing issue. We will remain in close communication with local and state health authorities and will provide updates to our community. Thank you for your continued support of our Eagle Pass schools.
Sincerely,
Samuel Mijares, Superintendent of Schools
About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Dear Eagle Pass I.S.D. Family,
An outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, has caused an outbreak of respiratory illness and the United States has confirmed a handful of coronavirus cases related to travel. I want to assure you that our school district is keeping track of this situation through proven and trustworthy sources: our local health department, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These health officials believe the risk to our school community is low at this time.
Updated information from the CDC on coronavirus in the United States can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. The most recent information about coronavirus in Texas may be found at: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/.
Much is being learned about this newly emerged virus. 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.
The 2019 novel coronavirus is believed to be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, much in the way the flu and other respiratory viruses are spread. Symptoms can be fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. At this time, persons considered at risk are those with travel to China, or those in close contact with persons infected with novel coronavirus.
While a new type of illness can be scary, we can protect our students, teachers, and the broader 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.
Thank you for your support of our district, our schools, our students and our teachers and staff.
Sincerely,
Samuel Mijares
Superintendent, Eagle Pass I.S.D.
