Updated Information Regarding Ebola Virus Concern Posted 10/16/2014 10:45AM 10/16/14, 10:40am In light of the recent concerns over the Ebola virus, the Temple ISD administrative team met first thing this morning. In that meeting we addressed the following: 1. Current accurate information from the Texas Department of State Health, Bell County Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), our Director of Health Services, Andi Haynes, and surrounding school districts 2. Preventive measures 3. Providing continued up-to-date communication I want to address each of these. Current Information – It is important that we take actions based upon fact and not rumor. There are no active reported cases in Bell County. Two students attending Belton ISD (BISD) were on the same plane as the health care provider who contracted Ebola in Dallas. These students are not displaying symptoms and are being closely monitored. BISD has closed 3 elementary schools pending further direction. Other districts are developing their own protocols depending upon their unique needs. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continue to provide current and updated information regarding the transmission of the Ebola virus and measures of prevention. This information continues to indicate that Ebola is transmitted through bodily fluid contact, with the CDC continuing to redefine what constitutes bodily contact. Please feel free to go to the CDC website at cdc.gov. Texas Department of State Health and the Bell County Health Department have advised us to monitor for signs and symptoms of acute illness and to refer any concern to them. Preventative Measures – it is always important to take seriously our Blood Borne Pathogens plan and training and to implement it with fidelity. This recent health concern only highlights this need. Bell County Health Department and Temple ISD will hold a special training based upon our Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure Control Manual for all principals and department heads within the next 24 hours. This presentation will be videotaped and shared with 100% of TISD staff on Monday or Tuesday with sign-in sheets required. We are working with our custodial provider, GCA, in providing a heightened disinfectant plan for all of TISD buildings. TISD will purchase updated personal protection equipment for all higher risk facilities, programs, and staff. The Health Services department will continue monitoring for signs and symptoms of acute illness and reporting to the local health authority as prescribed by Bell County Health Department. Continued Up-to-Date Communication – It is imperative that you are provided accurate and timely information and to make informed decisions based upon facts. Letters will be sent home with all elementary and middle school parents. A Question and Answer section will be continuously updated on the TISD website. We will post all updated information throughout the day on Facebook and Twitter. We will continue to communicate with other school districts and with local health and governmental health officials and forward information to you. As with all school districts we prioritize the health and safety of our students and staff. Please continue to check on the TISD website for further information. Robin Battershell, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Temple ISD tisd.org/cf_news/view.cfm?newsid=794
Posted on: Thu, 16 Oct 2014 16:29:51 +0000
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