SMCISD addresses coronavirus in letter to parents

San Marcos Consolidated ISD Superintendent Michael Cardona told parents in a letter sent out Wednesday that the district is monitoring the outbreak of coronavirus — COVID-19. 

“While no cases have been suspected among our local community, please be assured that we are monitoring the situation and will stay up to date with information that becomes available from the public health authorities,” Cardona said in the letter. “Public health officials believe the risk to our school community is low at this time.”

Cardona added that any decision made regarding school operations will be done with guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, local health officials, the Texas Education Agency and Education Service Center Region 13. 

Coronavirus is an illness that originated in Wuhan, China known for its crownlike spikes that protrude from its surface. The virus can cause a wide range of respiratory illnesses, including fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. COVID-19 may take up to 2-14 days after exposure to appear. The virus has spread to over 80,000 people in at least 33 countries, including South Korea, Iran and Italy. 

The CDC recommends washing your hands for a least 20 seconds with soap and water to prevent the spread of the disease. It is also suggested to avoid close contact with people who are sick; cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash; and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

“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,” Cardona’s letter read. “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.”