Statement Regarding Coronavirus 3/12/2020
While Seton is closed this week for spring break, we are conducting a deep cleaning/disinfecting of the campus. This is our normal practice during extended breaks for Christmas and spring, but it takes on additional importance in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. While Seton is not aware of any specific Coronavirus risks to the school community, the school's administrative team remains vigilant to the situation. At this time, school will resume on Monday, March 16, 2020 as per the original schedule.
Please note that any message concerning school closure will only come from the principal, assistant principal, or dean of students via email and text message. If the situation arises that warrants closing the school, be assured that parents and staff will be informed immediately and that Seton has a preliminary plan to provide online instruction through Canvas. Seton will utilize similar plans used by schools in the Midwest and East to mitigate the effects of snow day closures. In the event of closures, Seton students and parents will receive an email explaining and detailing how to participate in the online instructional program.
It is important for students and staff to stay home if they feel ill. Parents ultimately make the decision whether or not their son/daughter attends school and athletic competitions. It is best to err on the side of caution and stay home from school, practices, and games/competitions if ill.
The Diocese of Phoenix has additional information on their website. Please visit https://dphx.org/stayhealthy/ for additional information. The CDC has information for travelers at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html. Please follow the information on this website if you or members of your immediate circle are traveling, planning to travel, or just finished traveling.
Here is some additional information from Catholic Mutual:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes (at this time) the symptoms of COVID-19 may appear as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. This information is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses. Reported illnesses range from mild symptoms to severe illness and death and include: fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Preventing Coronavirus
- The CDC recommends everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses such as Coronavirus:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow vs. your hand (you can spread germs when touching items after coughing or sneezing into your hand).
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases including Coronavirus.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of Coronavirus to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
- Wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds before eating, blowing your nose, coughing, and sneezing. If soap and water is not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
What to Do If You Become Sick
Seek emergency care right away if you have: trouble breathing, pain or pressure in your abdomen or chest, sudden dizziness, confusion, and severe vomiting.