The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is reporting additional cases of the novel coronavirus, COVID‑19, bringing the state total to 21; they will continue to update the state case count each day by 10 a.m. Central Time. Public health departments are working to identify any close contacts of the patients while they were sick so they can be isolated and monitored for symptoms and quickly tested, if needed. DSHS, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and other state agencies continue their ongoing preparations so that all of state government is working together to limit the spread of the virus and protect Texans.  It is also important to note that health officials believe the risk to Texas continues to remain low.

As the COVID‑19 outbreak continues, Career Schools and Colleges will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional information to our schools. We urge you to continue to use verified sources of information about the flu and coronavirus to help prevent the spread of misinformation.  DSHS , and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), continue to be your best resources for all information regarding COVID-19.  This acrobat file from the CDC titled, “What you need to know about Keeping Workplaces, Homes, Schools, or Commercial Establishments Safe” is a good reference material that can be printed and/or distributed easily.

As an integral part of your community, we urge you and your staff to continue taking the necessary steps that focus on preventing the spread of illness. These steps include:

  • Encourage students and staff to stay home when sick;
  • Educate students and staff to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their bent arm, and to wash hands after using a tissue;
  • Teach handwashing techniques and provide time for students and staff to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer;
  • Encourage students and staff to keep their hands away from their nose, mouth, and eyes; and
  • Encourage regular desanitization of commonly used surfaces using standard cleaning practices.

The CDC Resources for Institutes of Higher Education , is a great source of information. It contains specific information, such as:


As part of your efforts, please consider the following related to school operations:

  • Change in Instruction: Should you determine a need to change your operations, such as residence (classroom) instruction to online (remote) instruction, please notify your CSC program staff, copied on this e-mail.
  • School Closure: Should you require to close, or temporarily suspend your operations, please notify your CSC program staff, copied on this e-mail.
  • Suggested Mitigation Measures After School Closure: When a school closes, it is important that you take appropriate mitigation measures to reduce the chances the illness will continue to spread after it is reopened. This includes disinfecting common spaces like the classrooms and restrooms, but should also include disinfecting shared schools supplies and equipment.

Thank you,

Career Schools and Colleges Helpdesk
Texas Workforce Commission

512-936-3100