Amarillo ISD Takes Precautions to Prevent the Spread of Viruses

Posted Date: 06/03/2020

March 6, 2020--As reports of possible coronavirus cases continue to spread across the country and get closer to our community, Amarillo ISD has taken additional steps to prevent the spread of communicable diseases in our schools.  

For our part, Amarillo ISD continues to meet with local health officials to ensure we have the latest information and have implemented the appropriate precautionary measures based on the guidance of the CDC.  In recent weeks, the District has taken steps to plan, prepare, and develop additional health and safety protocols should those become necessary due to a major illness outbreak.  For example, our maintenance and custodial department is implementing additional cleaning procedures, and they’ve secured new equipment to assist in disinfecting classrooms and schools quickly and effectively with hospital-grade disinfectant.   

The CDC continues to stress that the health risk to the American public remains low and the best way to prevent the spread of any disease, including COVID-19, is through proper hygiene. We are working with our schools to be diligent in stressing healthy hygiene habits with students, but families may want to consider reinforcing these steps at home. 

Recommendations from the CDC:
 

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds on a regular basis.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cough or sneeze into your bent elbow or a tissue and dispose of the tissue in the trash.
• Stay at home and seek medical attention if you are not feeling well.

Our first priority is always the safety of our students and staff. We will remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent the spread of all communicable diseases in our schools and continue to work closely with local health officials.

More information about COVID-19 is available on the City’s Public Health website.