Dear LISD family,
Longview Independent School District administration has been informed of a confirmed case of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) within Gregg County.
District officials will continue to monitor and assess this situation as it develops. We will provide information as it becomes available from the public health authorities. Any decisions that may need to be made regarding a change to school operations will be done so with guidance from Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Gregg County and the City of Longview, and local health officials, along with guidance and direction from the authorities at TEA and Region VII.
In the meantime, Longview ISD is taking an aggressive approach to sterilizing and performing deep cleans of all district campuses and facilities, including a comprehensive sanitation of all district buses and vehicles. LISD, in partnership with our janitorial contractors CCS will continue this approach upon the return of students following spring break.
Much is being learned about this newly-emerged virus. Based on the current information, health officials are recommending local communities and schools should take the same steps to protect against coronavirus as we take to prevent the spread of everyday illnesses like the common cold or the flu:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover the mouth and nose with the inside of the elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when sick.
Longview ISD custodial staff uses the highest grade of disinfectant cleaner approved for use in hospitals and other health-related organizations, and it has been demonstrated as effective in killing flu and human coronavirus. The custodial department has already been on increased cleaning frequency since early fall in response to expanding flu cases.
- What you need to know about Coronavirus
- Stop the spread of germs
- Travelers to the US from China information
- CDC Fact Sheets on Coronavirus
While a new type of illness can be scary, we can protect our students, teachers, and the broader community by using simple everyday actions that protect people from other types of respiratory viruses. This is important not just to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, but to help prevent the spread of other infections that can lead to student illness and absences.
For updated information from the CDC on coronavirus can be found at the CDC website here, and the most recent information about coronavirus in Texas may be found at the DSHS website here.
Thank you for your support of our district, our schools, our students, and our staff!
Sincerely,
Dr. James Wilcox, Superintendent of Schools
Longview Independent School District
More information available here:
CLICK IMAGES TO VIEW OR DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET
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