CSS Head of School Message, February 27, 2020 -  
Information on Novel Coronavirus    
Dear CSS Community,

Our leadership team is closely following information about the ever-expanding outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), a respiratory illness, from the World Health Organization (WHO), Center for Disease Control (CDC), the State Department and locally the El Paso County Health Department. We are attuned to industry precautions, practical hygiene advice, and protocols, related to this public health emergency of international concern.

Though Colorado currently has no confirmed cases of COVID-19, The Colorado Springs School is taking this public health threat very seriously and closely tracking the trajectory of the outbreak. It would be naive to think that the coronavirus will not impact our community, so we are proactively aligning our resources related to this matter. This includes daily monitoring of CDC/WHO updates, increased attention to campus cleaning, refining and expanding our capacity to deliver e-learning through Google Apps for Education (if necessary), and careful planning of our Experience-Centered Seminars and Middle School Seminars.
 
It is important to recognize that this is a fluid situation, with emerging details to assess. If the outbreak escalates, we would follow the El Paso County Health Department's lead on any quarantines, closures, or other health measures. We also know that the uncertainty of this situation can give rise to anxiety in students, parents and faculty/staff, and we echo the CDC's statement that risk is currently low and based on exposure.  
What is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. These viruses spread through coughing or sneezing, much like the flu.

What can I do to stay healthy?
The risk to the general public in the U.S. from this virus is considered low, but just as is recommended for other respiratory viruses, people can protect themselves and others by getting a flu shot and by practicing everyday actions:

Practice good hygiene.
  • Wash your hands frequently - remember to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash with soap and water.
  • If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to clean hands.
Practice respiratory etiquette.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are ill, you should try to distance yourself from others so you do not spread your germs. Distancing includes staying home from work or school when possible.
Do you or your child feel sick? Stay home!
If your child is sick and exhibiting contagious symptoms such as fever, cough, or sneezing, please keep him or her home from school to avoid spreading illness. Per the school handbook, if your child has any contagious infection, please keep him or her at home until it is completely cleared up. That means 24 hours without a fever, with no fever-reducing medication, vomiting, diarrhea, or any symptoms. If your child has a positive strep culture, keep them home for 24 hours after you begin medication.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 
In the meantime, if you would like to discuss your family's concern or circumstances, please don't hesitate to contact me.
My best,

Aaron Schubach
The Colorado Springs School
Head of School
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