DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF)- The Catholic Diocese of Dallas is taking extra steps in case a student is infected with the Coronavirus. Superintendent Dr. Matt Vereecke sent a letter to parents informing them about the current protocols regarding the deadly virus. “We want to stress that we have no knowledge of an imminent threat, nor do we want to cause undue concern. However, we firmly believe that the best preparation for us as a diocesan school system is information and coordination, and more than anything we want to reassure all families that we are coordinating with top experts and will be responding proactively to any requests that are made in the interest of public health,” said Vereecke. Vereecke said although he thinks closures of schools remain unlikely, the district is working with all principals to promote e-learning and remote learning opportunities if students need to stay home due to sickness. “We do this, so that disruptions to the traditional school day can be mitigated. The current plan is to provide alternative learning opportunities for up to two weeks in the event students need to be absent. We will adjust this policy if new guidance warrants in the future,” said Vereecke.
In the letter, Vereecke stresses basic prevention measures that everyone should follow to avoid the flu or other infectious respiratory illnesses:
• Everyone 6 months and older is encouraged to get a flu shot.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use
an 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. Keeping a sick child at home prevents the spread of illness in the school
community and allows the child an opportunity to rest and recover.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
All schools will continue to follow our standard cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and we will continue to work with our local agencies should we have concerns regarding an illness outbreak in any of the schools.
In addition, the Catholic Diocese Fort Worth is also taking extra precautions in light of the virus. If a member is ill, they are not required to attend Sunday Mass and should stay home. Also, The Diocese also suspended the distribution of the Precious Blood until further notice. The Sign of Peace is also temporarily suspended and they do not encourage the holding of hands during Mass.
