February 28, 2020

St. Augustine High School is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our community, especially during this season of increased flu activity and an emerging public health situation related to a novel strain of coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China. There are currently no known exposures to the coronavirus on the SAINTS campus. There is no need for panic, but rather now is a time for planning and good health practices.

At this time, we encourage you to join in our efforts by learning about coronavirus and taking common sense precautions to prevent its spread.
What is the Coronavirus?

2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. Early on, many of the patients in Wuhan reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However, since then we have learned that person-to-person spread is occurring, and this is now a worldwide event.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed a growing number of cases of the virus in the United States. There are many new possible cases being tested/observed and it seems likely we can expect more confirmed cases in the US in the coming weeks.

What are the symptoms of Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?

The symptoms of the coronavirus include:

• Fever above 100.4F,
• cough
• shortness of breath 

What to do if you have the above symptoms and exposure to 2019-nCoV?

• Stay home from school and work
• Cover your cough
• Call your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and exposure.
• It may be wise to call before heading into the doctor’s office or a clinic so that your provider can be prepared for your visit.

What is SAINTS doing to support the community?

The Administration at Saints will follow the guidance of the public health departments and the Centers for Disease Control. We will continue to follow guidance, provide updates and adjust strategy when and if recommended.

All Saint’s classrooms and learning/gathering spaces are supplied with hand sanitizer and surface wipes.  In February each year, the typical peak of flu season, the school disinfects the entire campus with the Chlorox Total 360 disinfectant solution.  We will keep an eye on this new contagious threat and if there are cases of coronavirus on the Saints campus, we will schedule additional application(s) of the total disinfectant solution.

Additionally, we are asking the whole community to practice strong prevention strategies such as washing hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, avoid sharing drinks and food and avoid close contact with those who are sick.  And please, please, please …. Stay home from school if you are ill.

What can I do now?

There is not yet a vaccination for the coronavirus.
With flu activity continuing in San Diego, now is the time to make sure that you are protected against the flu. It is not too late to get a flu shot, which is the best way to prevent the flu and its potentially serious complications. We ask you to join us in keeping your vaccinations up to date, washing your hands often, staying hydrated and helping us prevent the spread of infections.

To learn more about the coronavirus, please visit the CDC website for the latest and most reliable information. If you have additional questions or concerns, Students/Faculty/Staff should contact their health provider.