Leander ISD: Health authorities, TEA would determine school closures over COVID-19

Leander ISD said state and local health departments, as well as the Texas Education Agency, are the agencies that decide whether school schedules will be altered to prevent the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus.

The Feb. 27 email sent to parents and guardians of the approximately 41,400 LISD students said the district was following prevention protocol established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Leander ISD is enforcing the CDC's guideline that anyone returning from China after Feb. 3, 2020, must remain self-quarantined for a 14-day period," the email said.

The email went on to say that, in extreme cases, the Texas Education Agency, Texas Department of State Health Services and/or the Williamson County Health Authority have the authority to issue school closures.

LISD has also posted an update on its website.

At the Feb. 28 LISD board of trustees regular meeting, Superintendent Bruce Gearing said Leander ISD Health Services Department is "diligently monitoring” the situation and remains in contact with government health officials.

According to the email, health officials recommend taking the same precautions that are used to prevent common illnesses, such as a cold.

Students or staff who receive a confirmed virus diagnosis are asked to immediately call the campus nurse.

As of Feb. 25, there were six confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Texas. All six are being quarantined in San Antonio, according to the Associated Press.

To learn more, visit the Texas Health and Human Services website.