Coronaviruses have been around for decades and are best known for causing illnesses like the common cold, with symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and other upper respiratory issues. In late 2019, a new coronavirus was discovered (COVID-19). Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing or sneezing, close personal contact, or touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching your face before washing your hands. The most accurate, up-to-date information about COVID-19 can be located on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

The following resources may assist parents and family members in discussing the new coronavirus with their students and children. All rights for these resources are reserved by their creators.

• NPR created a comic for children that explores the new coronavirus and how to remain healthy. View it here.
• Talking to Children about COVID-19 from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
• CBC News Video: Get The Facts on Coronavirus (best for older students)
• BrainPOP Video: Coronavirus Information (best for younger students)

On the national level, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides daily updates on the rapidly changing coronavirus situation as well as guidance for reducing the spread of seasonal influenza in schools.

Additional useful information from the CDC can be located at these links:

• Share the Facts about COVID-19
• Travel Advisory Information
• When & How to Wash Hands

On the state level, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is the state authority on all information about the spread of illness and provides valuable information for identifying and taking precautions related to COVID-19 and the flu. 

Additionally, you may contact DSHS directly with coronavirus-specific questions by emailing coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov. 

Updates will also be shared through DSHS Facebook and Twitter accounts which can be found at @TexasDSHS.

Community members can also visit the City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District website and download the facts sheets at the links below for more information about COVID-19 in our region.

• Coronavirus Facts Sheet (English)
• Coronavirus Facts Sheet (Spanish)

Additionally, the SAMHD is operating a COVID-19 Hotline. Citizens may call 210-207-5779 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with questions about the coronavirus.

Texas Health and Human Services has launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress, or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This new resource offers COVID-19-related mental health support for all Texans.

People can call the Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919. Operated by the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, the support line offers trauma-informed support and psychological first aid to those experiencing stress and anxiety related to COVID-19.

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

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

At this time, the CDC believes that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days.

The best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure to this virus, which are similar to the precautions you take to avoid the flu. The CDC always recommends these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Students should stay home from school when exhibiting signs or symptoms of an illness, including fever and cough. At this time, we are continuing to follow the communicable disease exclusion criteria currently in place (Texas Education Code Rule § 97.7). Students with a fever (100.0° F or greater) will be sent home from school and may return once fever free for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medication. If your child is ill and in need of medical attention, please contact your health care provider.

LVISD continues to take practical steps to promote health and wellness at our schools and facilities. Custodial staff disinfect all common high-touch areas with chemical disinfectants applied on a daily basis. These areas include but are not limited to desks, light switches, door handles, and water fountains. Floors and restrooms are also disinfected every evening. Custodial staff are also prepared to use electrostatic decontamination applicators that create a microbial barrier around surfaces that can last up to 90 days.

During Spring Break, LVISD completed a sanitization project that involved cleaning all classroom and hallway surfaces with disinfectant, including walls and handrails. Special attention was given to libraries, cafeterias, athletics facilities, computer labs, and band halls. All nurses’ offices and buses were also disinfected with electrostatic applicators.

Human coronaviruses like COVID-19 most commonly spread from an infected person to others through “respiratory droplets” which are expelled when someone coughs or sneezes. So, wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face, eyes and especially before taking out or putting in contact lenses!

Human coronaviruses like COVID-19 most commonly spread from a carrier to others through “respiratory droplets” which are expelled when someone coughs or sneezes. The CDC FAQ page has more detailed information about how COVID-19 spreads.

Human coronaviruses like COVID-19 most commonly spread from an infected person to others through “respiratory droplets” which are expelled when someone coughs or sneezes. In some cases, infected persons may not show any symptoms or may have very mild symptoms and can pass the infection on through contact and respiratory droplets.

If you are experiencing symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath please contact your health care provider right away. It is important to call before going into a clinic, urgent care, or emergency department to prevent any potential spread.

For more information, please visit the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District website.

Additional FAQs can be located on the CDC website.

You can also contact the Texas Department of State Health Services with questions by emailing coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov.

Alternatively, you can call the San Antonio Municipal Health District COVID-19 Hotline at 210-207-5779 (available 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday) for more information.