Antonian College Preparatory High School

Antonian leadership has begun discussion of plans for instructional continuity related to coronavirus (COVID-19). Although local health and civic authorities maintain that the risk of coronavirus exposure to the public is low, the safety of the Antonian community is our paramount concern, and we are sharing proactive steps we are taking. This guidance is subject to change as the situation is rapidly evolving. We will continue to update you as new information becomes available.

One of the most significant topics is any travel by Antonian families as we head into spring break and the Easter holidays. It is our hope that our families will reconsider any international travel plans over spring break and Easter break, especially to any country that is designated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as "Level 3 - Avoid Nonessential Travel" due to coronavirus. This now includes Italy, in addition to China, South Korea, and Iran. You can find a full list on the CDC website at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices .  
 
We ask that any families that travel to a country designated as Level 3 by the CDC due to coronavirus - whether the country's designation occurs before departure or during the trip - provide Antonian a written medical clearance for their child(ren) prior to the student(s) returning to campus. Students who travel internationally during upcoming breaks should pay extra attention to any signs of illness, such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing upon return.

We will continue to utilize our usual broadcast email system as our primary means of communicating any further information related to the coronavirus to parents/guardians. Additionally, we will:
  • continue to refine our instructional continuity plans and to communicate those as warranted should it become necessary to close school for any period of time; 
  • begin a "handwashing/cover your cough" school-wide awareness campaign; and
  • enhance the cleaning of public areas across campus; and
  • ensure that hand sanitizer stations located throughout the building are full.  
For the past two years, Antonian has utilized the services of Disinfx, a vendor that specializes in the application of antimicrobial agents in commercial facilities, to provide periodic disinfection services in all campus buildings. The last treatment at Antonian took place on the Presidents' Day school holiday, February 17, 2020.  

In keeping with guidance from the Archdiocese of San Antonio as it relates to the celebration of the liturgy, we will:
  • temporarily distribute Holy Communion only in the hand rather than on the tongue; 
  • remove holy water from the font in the foyer of the Chapel of the Saints; and
  • avoid physical contact at relevant times during Mass (Our Father, Sign of Peace).
Above all, we strongly encourage the practice of good health hygiene. The CDC recommends the following actions to help prevent the spread of all respiratory diseases such as COVID-19:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, going to the bathroom, and before eating or preparing food.
  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid contact with sick people.
  • Stay home when you are sick, except to seek medical assistance.
Archbishop Gustavo GarcĂ­a-Siller, MSpS, requests everyone pray for the good health of all people in the world and our communities. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid," John 14:27.