COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
February 28, 2020
Dear Tapestry Families & Staff,
Tapestry Charter School is monitoring the novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) situation carefully and is taking proactive and prudent measures to ensure the health and safety of the Tapestry community in accordance with the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At this point in time, the Erie County Department of Health reports there are no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in Erie County.
What do we know?
Since this virus is very new, health authorities continue to carefully watch how this virus spreads. The CDC is working hard to learn as much as possible about this new virus, so that we can better understand how it spreads and causes illnesses.
How does the 2019 Novel (New) Coronavirus Spread?
Health experts believe the virus probably spreads from animals to humans and from person to person. It is not clear yet how easily the virus spreads from person to person. The 2019 Novel Coronavirus is not currently a concern for the general public and is not actively circulating among New Yorkers at this time. Therefore, there is no need to cancel school or social events, and there is no need for students or school staff to wear surgical masks at school.
Prevention:
There are currently no vaccines available to protect against this virus. The New York State Department of Health recommends the following ways to minimize the spread of all viruses, including the Coronavirus:
- – Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap is not available.
- – 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 mouth and nose with a tissue use your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
- – Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- – CDC recommends that travelers avoid all travel to China.
Symptoms:
Information to date suggests that the Coronavirus causes mild to moderate illness and symptoms like the flu, including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
This is an emerging, rapidly changing situation. For questions contact your local department of health or the NYS Department of Health Novel Coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
You can also learn more using the following links:
Erie County Health Department, http://www2.erie.gov/health/
Center for Disease Control (CDC), https://www.cdc.gov/
Thank you,
Eric Klapper
Executive Director
