District continues proactive approach to Coronavirus in Gregg County

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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

  Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 originated in Wuhan, Hubel Province China. It is being closely monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• What are the symptoms?

  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough
  • Fever

• How is the virus spread? Is there a vaccine?

  COVID-19 is spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through coughing and sneezing. The virus also may be transmitted by touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19.

• What can I do to prevent the spread of the virus?

  • Wash hands with soap and water frequently, for at least 20 seconds
  • Use alcohol-based sanitizers when soap and water are not available
  • Use disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing; dispose of carefully and promptly
  • If tissues are not available, direct your cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm/sleeve
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Clean and disinfect “high-touch” objects and surfaces
  • Stay home when you are sick, and remain home until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication
  • Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms
  • Maintain healthy habits that support your immune system

• What is LISD doing to reduce the spread of viruses?

  Longview ISD is closely monitoring COVID-19 and is in contact with all the relevant federal, state, county, city and other area agencies to follow all recommended protocols and procedures. Trained staff routinely are monitoring individuals who exhibit fever, cough, and shortness of breath and are following appropriate assessment and monitoring protocols for students and staff who report feeling ill.

  The district is encouraging all students and staff to follow all preventative health measures, which include frequent hand washing, covering coughs, and staying home when sick. LISD is continuing to follow its standard procedure for routine cleaning and disinfection of schools, with special emphasis placed on disinfection of door handles and other frequently touched areas, as suggested by local and state health officials and the Texas Education Agency.

  Custodial teams also are making sure all schools and buildings are properly stocked with needed supplies, including soap and paper towels. The district already uses antimicrobial floor wax. Additionally, all LISD maintenance and operations departments are working to ensure all other cleaning agents used in district schools, facilities, and vehicles contain the suggested concentration of disinfectant as outlined by the American Chemistry Council Center for Biocide Chemistries.

  Transportation Services also is preparing to enhance daily bus-cleaning efforts with the addition of interior sanitization, a practice often implemented by the department during cold and flu season. Plans call for buses to be sanitized with disinfecting wipes after routes are completed each day and again on the weekend, as a precautionary measure.

  The district is continuing to monitor the situation to ensure all precautionary measures are in alignment with current guidance from local, state, and national health officials and in the best interest of students and staff.