MIAMI ISD

The Novel Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. Currently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports several cases in the United States, including Texas.

Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

-Fever

-Cough

-Shortness of breath

According to the CDC, the virus that causes COVID-19 belongs to a family of viruses called “coronavirus.” There are other viruses in the coronavirus family that can cause illness in both humans and animals These viruses can cause either mild illness like a cold or can make people very sick with pneumonia. This particular coronavirus has not been seen previously in humans. The virus is likely to be spread from person to person. Since the virus is very new, health authorities continue to carefully watch how this virus spreads.

While both these illnesses are respiratory viruses with symptoms of fever and a cough, it is recommended that anyone experiencing these symptoms visit a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Wash your hands frequently.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a covered trashcan.

• If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

All in person classes will be suspended and replaced with virtual instruction and other alternative learning options. At this time, students will not return to campus the week of March 23-27.

Miami ISD is following the guidance of  the CDC, local government agencies, and health care providers to prepare for and respond to the evolving COVID-19 situation.

Miami ISD has provided guidance for our school nurse to use in identifying and assessing the health status of students or staff who are experiencing flu-like symptoms. We have a full-time nurse employed who is well prepared to deliver evidence-based, medical evaluations to our students.

If both exposure and symptoms of fever or respiratory illness are present, the nurse is instructed to inform the principal, isolate the individual, and contact the parents to pick up their child immediately.

Where necessary, cleaning and disinfection will take place in accordance with Department of Environmental Health Services Standard Operation Procedures and DCHHS recommendations.

The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of facemasks also is crucial for health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

If you are not sick and are around someone who is sick, maintaining proper infection control such as frequent hand washing and cough etiquette is the best form of protection.

If you have, or suspect you have, had close contact with someone who has COVID-19, call your healthcare provider immediately and describe the contact you have had.

If you recently traveled, and within 14 days after you left, felt sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should:

• Seek medical advice – Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room.

• Tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.

• Avoid contact with others.

• Not travel while sick.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.

No. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, not viruses. Antibiotics should not be used to prevent or treat COVID-19, unless there is a bacterial co-infection. Vaccines against pneumonia or the flu do not provide protection. However, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health. The COVID-19 virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine.

Miami ISD has many digital tools to support distance learning, and our students will have access to these resources which are aligned to their classes. We will provide information on additional ways to leverage our rich technological resources for continued student support should it become necessary to extend closure beyond next week.

You will hear more from MISD soon regarding resources. We appreciate your patience as staff prepares to serve your child at a distance.

District offices will be closed to the public and all district events and competitions that have been scheduled within the district during this timeframe will be considered canceled until further notice. 

For the safety of Miami ISD players, families and staff, all District athletic events have been canceled or postponed until further notice. This includes practices and open gyms and weight rooms. MISD is in constant communication with county health officials to monitor the rapidly changing circumstances surrounding COVID-19.