Coppell ISD is closing its schools March 16-20 in light of recent coronavirus concerns.
CISD joins other Dallas County school districts, including Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, in shuttering its doors. This comes after Dallas County declared a state of emergency March 12.
The announcement came as part of a letter from Superintendent Brad Hunt publicized the morning of March 13.
"The closing of our schools is a proactive measure to help prevent the further spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19)," Hunt said in the letter. "As such, I highly encourage our community to remain at home during this time to help us in this effort."
Published on March 12:
Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD is canceling all classes and district events from March 16-20.
The district, which was on spring break from March 9-13, made the announcement on its Twitter page the evening of March 12.
CFBISD will also close all offices during the same time, according to the district. More details will be made available to parents, staff and students at the district's website March 13.
Check back on this page to learn more about what local school districts are doing in response to coronavirus.
Originally published March 10:
School districts in Coppell and Irving are working to educate the public on preventative measures to keep the new coronavirus from spreading.
There were no confirmed coronavirus cases in Dallas County as of the publication of this story.
Local school district and city officials are encouraging their constituents to follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance in preventing the spread of the virus. That includes staying home when you suspect you are sick; covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing with a tissue, and then disposing of the tissue; washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; using alcohol-based hand sanitizer if a washing station is unavailable; and routinely cleaning handles, surfaces and objects.
Other than sharing the recommendations from the CDC and Dallas County Health and Human Services division, here are what some local governments are doing to stay ahead of a possible coronavirus outbreak.
Coppell ISD
Recognizing that people may be traveling abroad over the district's March 9-13 spring break, Coppell ISD is requesting students and staff to stay home for 14 days upon their return home.That is for countries designated by the CDC as on Level 2 and Level 3 Travel Health Notice, according to the district.
CISD is asking students and staff who plan to travel to China, Iran, Italy, South Korea or Japan over spring break to report those travels to the district.
Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD
CFBISD is undertaking additional measures to disinfect its campuses over the March 9-13 spring break, according to a March 6 announcement.“Plans to enhance our cleaning and sanitizing measures began in September,” Superintendent John Chapman said in a statement. “Because the health and safety of our students and staff is always our top priority, CFBISD will now expedite these plans and utilize spring break to disinfect district facilities.”
The board of trustees approved at its March meeting the purchase of 28 additional sanitizing machines for each campus, as well as 200 new hand sanitizer stations and and the use of enhanced and environmentally sensitive cleaning products,
