Dear CRMS Families,
We are aware of the general concern regarding the new coronavirus (
COVID-19
). The health and safety of students and our school community is our highest priority.
Coronaviruses are quite common, but the latest strain-the novel coronavirus (
COVID-19
)- can cause severe respiratory illness. Fever is also a common but not universal symptom. The recent outbreak, centered in Wuhan in Hubei Province, China, has generated numerous confirmed cases in China. At this time, there are confirmed cases on all continents except Antarctica. Individuals who enter the U.S. and Canada who may have been exposed are undergoing screening and evaluation.
The
World Health Organization (WHO)
, the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), and the
Public Health Agency of Canada
are authoritative sources of information about the spread of the virus, as well as advice for individuals, communities, and organizations. The WHO has declared a health emergency in China but has not classified the outbreak a global health emergency. According to these various sources, as of this writing, the immediate public health risk in the U.S. and Canada is low. The risk of influenza, which is very active in the U.S. at this time, is greater than the new coronavirus.
As our spring break approaches, we would like to take this opportunity to inform you of our efforts to keep our school healthy and safe as the
COVID-19
continues to spread beyond China.
Because of the number of international boarding students enrolled at CRMS, we have chosen to be proactive and asked each of them to consider making alternative plans for spring break.
Realistically, we cannot monitor the travel of all CRMS families. We respectfully ask you to notify the school health office if you will be traveling in an "at-risk" country or have unfortunately been exposed to the new coronavirus either through travel or a guest in your home.
The school is closely monitoring international and national advisories from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and staying in close contact with the local health department. Also, we are closely following the guidance of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS), and The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS). We will share any school-wide plans that are implemented based on their recommendations.
Thank You
Jeff Leahy
