Capistrano Update For Field Trips And Events

From the Capistrano Unified School District:

March 12, 2020

Dear CUSD Families,

As of today, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in CUSD schools. The Orange County Health Care Agency ONLY notifies a school district if there is a confirmed case of Coronavirus who is a student or staff member.

Effective today, CUSD is implementing the newly issued guidelines from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). While these pertain to large gatherings of 250 people or more, this new guidance does not apply to activities such as attendance at regular school classes. Similar to all OC K-12 school districts, at this time, there is no recommendation for closing schools.

The latest California Department of Public Health guidance states that gatherings that include 250 or more people should be postponed or canceled. This includes gatherings such as concerts, conferences, and professional, college, and school sporting activities.

Because of this new guidance, CUSD is implementing the following through Spring Break, Monday, April 13, at which time we will evaluate events and gatherings moving forward:

• All field trips and science camps are postponed. The District is looking into reimbursement options and will work with school sites as necessary.
• All non-essential small and large gatherings, meetings, events, assemblies, school open houses, performances, festivals, carnivals, and other activities will be postponed.
• All athletic events and competitions are canceled or postponed. Practice will continue without spectators.

Please note that mandatory and self-quarantine guidelines have not changed. For information related to these guidelines and travel restrictions, please visit the CDC website.

We continue to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA), the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) and Orange County K-12 school districts. The District will continue to update our community as we have new information, including our COVID-19 webpage.

As a reminder, we continue to ask students, families, and staff to say home if you are sick and follow these precautions:

• 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.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Please understand that this is a rapidly evolving situation. We continue to develop plans for alternative learning options, including independent study and will have more information soon. Thank you for your partnership and support.

Sincerely,

Ryan Burris
Chief Communications Officer

Attachments:

Coronavirus Update #5 - Spanish

This press release was produced by the Capistrano Unified School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.