Austin ISD Bans Large Gatherings Over Coronavirus Fears

AUSTIN, TX — Austin ISD — the 5th-largest school district in Texas serving more than 80,000 students among 129 schools — is canceling large gatherings through early April to mitigate possible spread of new coronavirus, officials announced late Thursday.

According to a statement on the district's website, the cancellations running through April 3 cover a broad range of activities — field trips, spring break camps, student assemblies and events at rented-out school buildings. The suspension order came short of canceling sporting events, which the superintendent said would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The move is an effort "...to implement social distancing when possible and support sanitary practices in our buildings," outgoing Austin ISD Superintendent Paul Cruz said in the statement. He noted schools would close only in the event of a confirmed case of the respiratory ailment that was declared a pandemic this week by the World Health Organization.

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"In an effort to maintain our high standards of teaching, learning, and the services we provide, Austin ISD is not closing any schools or ceasing district operations at this time," the statement reads. "A school may close if a staff member or student has a confirmed case of COVID-19. Final determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis and in consultation with local health authorities."

District officials also urged students experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to remain home, assuring that all health-related absences between March 23-April 3 would be excused.

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The respiratory ailment now known as COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have sparked outbreaks in the past. To date, no confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Travis County, but nearly two dozen cases have been confirmed elsewhere in Texas.

For daily updates and the most current information, district officials directed parents and guardians to www.austinisd.org/coronavirus. District officials also offered the update in Spanish — en español — with a translation accessible by clicking here.

District officials posted a FAQ section as part of their announcement to preemptively address commonly asked questions:

How is the district preparing for COVID-19?

"We are constantly monitoring the information coming from health officials and public health experts. District leadership participate in daily calls where the latest information is made available from local government entities and health authorities. It is important to say again that, at this time, no cases of COVID-19 have been reported in AISD, or in the Austin community. However, this is a rapidly evolving situation."

What is Austin ISD changing in response to COVID-19?

"In an effort to implement social distancing when possible and support sanitary practices in our buildings, please note the following are canceled through April 3.

• Large gatherings (i.e. student assemblies)
• Field trips
• Field days
• Spring break camps
• Outside rentals of our buildings

UIL events will be considered on a case-by-case basis. For the latest on UIL visit UILtexas.org. For the latest information on after-school care, please see the vendor’s website. Please contact your campus principal if you have any questions."

Is AISD going to close schools because of COVID-19?

"In an effort to maintain our high standards of teaching, learning, and the services we provide, Austin ISD is not closing any schools or ceasing district operations at this time. A school may close if a staff member or student has a confirmed case of COVID-19. Final determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis and in consultation with local health authorities.

"We will continue to follow the recommendations of the Travis County Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."

What is AISD doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

"All AISD schools are taking steps to assist public health officials as they work to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including the following measures that have been put in place:

• With our schools and buses taking priority, district facilities will undergo deep cleaning and disinfection, including the use of advanced disinfection technologies that provide longer-lasting surface protection, during spring break. Additionally, schools will be deep cleaned during break. Deep cleaning and disinfection will continue when students return after spring break.
• AISD housekeeping services are routinely cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces with cleaner that helps to reduce multiple disease-causing viruses and bacteria."

How will COVID-19 affect attendance?

"For the period of March 23-April 3, all health-related student absences will be excused. We know this is an uncertain and anxious time for the community, and we will support parents/guardians to make the decision that is right for their families. Please let your child’s school know if you will be keeping them home.

"We recognize that students and staff who have a weakened immune system due to certain diseases and conditions (like cancer, heart disease, lung disease or diabetes) may be at a higher risk of developing serious illness if they get sick with COVID-19. We are encouraging anyone in this situation to please reach out to their health care provider for guidance. We know each situation will be different. If the health care provider gives guidance affecting attending school, please reach out to your principal to make a plan."

How does this affect Spring Break travel?

• The COVID-19 outbreak is a concern for anyone considering traveling at this time. For that reason and to prepare for any eventuality, we are asking Austin ISD families to share their travel plans with their principal. This reporting is voluntary.
• If traveling to areas within the United States that have reported cases of COVID-19, exercise caution. If, during travel or upon returning to Austin, you have symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) similar to those described for COVID-19, contact a medical professional and follow instructions. You must not return to school or work if you have a fever of 100.0 or more until you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

When do students need to self-quarantine?

Based on the guidance provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services, it is recommended individuals self-quarantine at home for 14 days if they experience any or all of the following;

• You have returned from a country with a CDC Level 2 or 3 Health Notice (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html)
• You have a fever of 100.0 or higher and symptoms related to COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath).
• You have had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

If a student experiences any or all of the above, the student should self-quarantine and those absences will be excused.

Will AISD do any screening for visitors to AISD campuses or facilities?

• If a student has a fever of 100.0 degrees or more, families will be called to pick up the child.
• AISD staff will continue to educate our students, staff and the community about the importance of frequent hand washing; covering a cough or sneeze; not touching one’s eyes, nose and mouth; staying home when sick; and other measures to help prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
• All new students enrolling from countries with a Level 2 or 3 Health Notice will be screened by campus nurses, until further notice, before enrolling in and attending classes at an AISD school.

District officials remind of ongoing flu season

"We are also in the midst of our regular cold and flu season, and the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are the same as the recommendations for preventing the spread of the flu virus," district officials said.

What You Can Do

• If a student has a fever of 100.0 degrees or more, you must stay home from school until fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications.
• If you do not have a thermometer, do not send your children or come to school to have your temperature taken. If they feel warm and are not feeling well, please stay home.
• Reinforce frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Remind children to cover a sneeze or cough with a tissue or a sleeve (not their hands).