COVID-19 UPDATE

COVID - 19 UPDATE

March 11, 2020

Dear St. Isidore School Community,

Please take a moment to review this update regarding COVID-19. Today we participated in a conference call with the Contra Costa Health Department that included all private and charter schools in Contra Costa County. A few main take-aways from this call include:

There are 1.1 million residents in Contra Costa County and 10 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
“Don’t be scared, be prepared.”
Individuals should self-monitor to determine if they should come to work/school. Those with a fever of 100.4 or greater or who have respiratory infection symptoms should stay home.
The Public Health Department will contact school IF there is confirmed case of COVID-19 and will advise the school on necessary next steps.

We will continue to implement our best practices that we have updated in the newsletter today. If you or your student are not feeling well, please stay home and do not come to school. According to public health authorities, there are three possible scenarios. Contra Costa County falls into the second category, which is “ Scenario II: If there are two or more community transmission cases of COVID-19, but no individuals within the school testing positive.” Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) is only recommending event cancellations where 50 or more people from high-risk communities are within arm's length of each other. At this time, St. Isidore School is not considered a high-risk community. However, we are practicing “social distancing” strategies.

Here are some recommendations and information that you may find helpful. Follow Public Health Advice and Information:

Contra Costa County Health Services: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) The resources section includes FAQs, as well as an early COVID-19 self-screening form
California Department of Public Health: Fact Page
CDC: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
CDC: Hand Washing Instructions
CDC: Get Your Household Ready for COVID-19

As of the writing of this letter, we will continue to conduct school business as we normally do. We have discussed long-distance learning options with our faculty and staff, should school need to close due to COVID-19. You will be notified should school close temporarily and long-distance learning occur. As part of our ongoing partnership, we are asking our parents to look ahead and make a contingency plan in case things change and we are forced to close schools. We are not there yet, but we cannot rule it out as a possibility in the future. Moreover, should the COVID -19 virus impact our community, please be assured that I will work directly with Contra Costa Health Services and the Oakland Diocese Department of Schools to protect our community members. I will communicate with you should any changes need to be implemented.

Sincerely,

Maria Ward, Principal