The World Health Organization on Jan. 30 declared a global health emergency regarding the coronavirus, which has killed over 170 people this year. The virus was first reported in Wuhan, China, on Dec. 31, according to the WHO.
Symptoms are similar to those of pneumonia or the flu and can include fever, coughing and difficulty breathing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to a message on AISD’s website, district staff began screenings Jan. 27 on students who have fevers and have traveled to China within the prior 14 days. The screening process used was developed by the CDC and modified for use in schools by Ascension/Seton, according to the message.
According to district rules about illnesses, all students and staff “must stay home if they have a fever of 100” degrees Fahrenheit and are not permitted to return to campus until they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of medication.
