We are closely following national and international reports about the spread of a new respiratory virus known as the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, named COVID-19.
While no cases have been reported among the Austin community, please be assured that we are monitoring the situation closely.
Texas Department of State Health Services
(DSHS) public health officials say the risk remains low in Texas. To help keep our campus community safe, we can educate ourselves about coronavirus and take actions that prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, influenza, and other illnesses.
If your family plans to travel over spring break, we recommend following
CDC travel notices
and do not travel if you are unwell.
The CDC recommends these steps for prevention:
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
For information about handwashing,
see CDC's Handwashing website
.
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Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
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Stay home when you are sick.
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Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
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Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
It is important to remember that the physical health of our community is equally connected to the social and mental health of our community. For our international students in particular, we extend our compassion and concern for this situation and the impact this may be having on their loved ones back home. Headwaters can help support students with on-campus counseling on the River Campus or through other support systems as needed.
We are also aware of the call for communities to be prepared in the event of school closures. We do not anticipate closures at Headwaters School, however, we would notify parents and the community in the unlikely event this happens through our emergency text alerts, news stories, social media, and website banners.
While a new type of illness can be worrisome, we can protect our students, teachers, and the broader community by using simple everyday actions that protect people from other types of respiratory viruses. This is important not just to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, but to help prevent the spread of other infections that can lead to student illness and absences.
Sincerely,
