- Plano Independent School District
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Health Update: Coronavirus
February 7, 2020
The health and safety of our students, families and staff are a top priority in Plano ISD. We are operating at a heightened awareness regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus. In our continued efforts to assess risks and keep you informed, Plano ISD wants you to know that we are in contact daily with Collin County Health Services and follow the advice and recommendations from relevant local, state and federal health authorities regarding necessary precautions and protocols. Many of the steps we are already taking during flu season are applicable precautions for novel coronavirus, including encouraging proper hand washing techniques and deep cleaning schools and facilities in high touch areas as needed.
Plano ISD encourages parents and students to remain informed by following our official Plano ISD communications here on this website and by visiting the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
Collin County Health Services provided an update this week explaining the following travel guidelines:
- Travelers entering the U.S. from Hubei Province:
- Travelers who are symptomatic will be subject to immediate quarantine and testing.
- Travelers who are not symptomatic will be quarantined and monitored.
- None of these travelers will be sent home before the end of the quarantine period.
- Travelers entering the U.S. from elsewhere in mainland China:
- Travelers who are symptomatic will observe immediate isolation and testing.
- Travelers who are not symptomatic will be sent home with instructions to monitor symptoms and self-quarantine for 14 days.
- The self-quarantine protocol is recommended for travelers only, as their family members are not considered at risk.
- Plano ISD encourages our families who may be observing a self-quarantine to reach out to Collin County Health Services or to contact your school nurse so that you can be connected to appropriate health resources.
We are approaching this situation with an abundance of care and caution, and want to provide you with current information as we receive it. Plano ISD staff will continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving situation. Children with symptoms of the flu or a flu-like illness should not be sent to school. We will inform our community as we receive updates, information and resources. If you have further questions regarding coronavirus or other communicable illnesses, please contact your school nurse, or the Plano ISD Health Services Department at 469-752-5991.
February 4, 2020
En español
Plano ISD works to maintain a safe and healthy environment for students and staff. In this effort, the district follows the guidance of national and local officials to help protect students from communicable diseases. District officials are aware of the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Families are encouraged to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for more information. Based on information provided to Plano ISD, it is our understanding that there are no confirmed cases in Collin County. However, the district continues to monitor the situation and follow guidance from federal and/or state authorities.
To ensure the risk of novel coronavirus spread in the United States remains low, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is implementing restrictions on entry into the United States from the People’s Republic of China. In a complementary action, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is implementing public health measures to monitor and quarantine entering travelers who are at risk of carrying novel coronavirus. These measures were implemented February 2, 2020, and are in line with the presidential proclamation issued by President Trump on January 31, 2020.
The U.S. Department of State continues its Level 4: Do Not Travel Advisory for China. Based on this, commercial airlines have reduced or altogether suspended routes to and from China.
All flights from China are being funneled through a limited number of U.S. airports to ensure consistent screening and handling of incoming passengers who may have been exposed to novel coronavirus. The CDC will require 14 days of monitoring or quarantine for entering travelers who are at risk for coronavirus according to CDC-established parameters. The CDC is updating and maintaining guidance on entry into the United States on its novel coronavirus website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
For further information about novel coronavirus and healthy habits, visit the following websites:
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
- Texas Department of State Health Services
- Collin County Health Care Services
Plano ISD staff will continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving situation. We will inform our community as we receive updates, information and resources. If you have further questions regarding Plano ISD processes related to coronavirus or other contagious illnesses, please contact your school nurse, or the Plano ISD Health Services Department at 469-752-5991.
Thank you for your partnership. Together, we can keep our community healthy and safe.
