Borderland schools start planning for possible spread of coronavirus
EL PASO, Texas -- Schools across the United States and in the Borderland are rushing to update emergency plans after federal officials warned that the coronavirus, which started in China, is almost certain to begin spreading in the U.S.
At the University of Texas El Paso, officials confirmed Friday night they were canceling trips abroad to any country subject to a level three or level four warning from the Centers for Disease Control about coronavirus.
Officials at the El Paso Independent School District met for several hours Friday for coronavirus planning and said, "EPISD is collaborating with local, state and federal health officials to respond and prevent the spread of the virus in our schools."
"At this point there's low risk of infection, but we are preparing our campuses to respond and spring into action," an EPISD spokesman told ABC-7.
Other school districts in the Borderland on Friday said they too were continuing to monitor the situation.
A statement from the Socorro Independent School District said, "Currently, there are no known cases of COVID-19 at Socorro ISD or in El Paso County. Socorro ISD will remain vigilant of this situation as it changes and is prepared to act in a timely manner."
And the Las Cruces Public Schools said in a statement, "We are working very closely with the New Mexico Department of Health to ensure the safety of our students and staff."
In school letters and notices posted on social media, UTEP, EPISD, SISD and LCPS all suggested the same precautions used to combat the flu: Wash hands frequently, cover sneezes and coughs, and stay home if fever or other symptoms arise.
A national association of school superintendents told the Associated Press that it’s pressing the CDC for more detailed guidance for schools as they confront the virus. In the meantime, the American Association of School Administrators issued a letter this week telling schools to use “common sense strategies" focusing on prevention.
The letter urged districts to focus on personal hygiene, to develop procedures for reporting cases and to consider canceling trips to any areas in the U.S. or abroad where there have been outbreaks.
“The classroom is a wonderful breeding ground for viruses,” said Dan Domenech, executive director of the group. “That’s why we need to plan what we’re going to do when we begin to see incidents of the coronavirus in our schools and in our communities.”
