Dragons who were expecting to go back to school next week after spring break will now be staying home to prevent the spread of the recent coronavirus disease.
The coronavirus, or COVID-19, is an infectious disease that causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. The first test-positive patient in Tarrant County was confirmed earlier this week, while five new cases were confirmed in Dallas County yesterday.
After receiving a recommendation from the Tarrant County Health Department, CISD Superintendent Dr. David Faltys announced that the district would be closed March 16-27, with all extracurricular school events canceled during the same period, according to a media release. Digital learning will not be immediately available, although the district will transition into online classes during the second week of the closure.
The release states that the closure is intended to prevent further infections, since canceling highly-populated gatherings can help dramatically reduce the spread of the disease.
“We acknowledge that an unexpected school closure creates a hardship on our parents and staff because of work, child care and other considerations,” the release states. “But we hope you know our efforts coming to this decision have been done with the best interests of everyone involved.”
The district’s closure follows the city’s recent postponement of the Celebrate Southlake event next week, also in response to the coronavirus. Sack lunches will be available for students on the free and reduced lunch program. An FAQ will also be released regarding the district’s two-week closure.
To stay up to date regarding the district’s ongoing response to the coronavirus, go to CISD’s #SAFEdragon page at SouthlakeCarroll.edu.
Update: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced a public health disaster Thursday, March 19, ordering school districts like Carroll ISD to close down until April 3. The state will reevaluate reopening at that time.