Message from the Superintendent

Our District is continuing to closely monitor events surrounding the coronavirus (now named COVID-19). As of the past week, County health officials report there are only two known cases of coronavirus in San Diego County. Both individuals were on repatriation flights from Wuhan, China and were under federal quarantine at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

You may be aware that the disease has spread to other countries and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued new travel warnings with increased concern for South Korea, Japan, and Italy. Travel warnings for China have not changed, and the CDC has lowered its level of concern for travel to Hong Kong and Taiwan. Additional detail about these warnings can be found on the CDC website.

The CDC also recently shared that the coronavirus almost certainly will begin spreading in communities in the United States, and Americans should begin preparations now. We are working with county school and health officials to establish protocols for schools in the event that coronavirus does spread in San Diego. More information will be shared as this plan develops. In the meantime, current information about the coronavirus is available on the CDC and County of San Diego/Health and Human Services websites.

As a reminder, if your child is sick, please keep them home from school. To help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including the coronavirus and flu, follow these important tips:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Individuals with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
  • Get vaccinated every year.

Additionally, the California Department of Public Health does not recommend the use of face masks for general prevention and says that handwashing provides better protection from infectious diseases. Our District is taking the following steps:

  • Monitoring the COVID-19 situation daily and working with our partners at San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, the San Diego County Office of Education and the Sweetwater Union High School District.
  • Following guidelines provided by the California Department of Public Health and Center for Disease Control.
  • Informing our staff and students of proper hygiene.
  • Updating our emergency plans based on the information provided by these reputable agencies to prevent spread of the COVID-19 virus and to ensure procedures are in place in the unlikely case that we have a wide-spread outbreak in Chula Vista.

We have posted resources on how to keep your family safe and healthy during flu season and/or during a pandemic influenza on the CVESD website, which you can access at this link: https://www.cvesd.org/parents/my_child_s_safety/emergency_preparedness___security/pandemic_flu_preparedness . You can also follow this chain of links once on our main website http://www.cvesd.org:  Parents ➢ My Child’s Safety ➢ Emergency Preparedness & Security ➢ Pandemic Flu Preparedness.

Thank you again for supporting our efforts to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for our students.

Sincerely,

Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D.

Superintendent

 

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