Within a matter of days the news concerning the novel Coronavirus has taken drastic turns.  The contagious disease was named an official pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11.  Due to health concerns around COVID-19, Comal Independent School District will be closed March 16-20.

San Antonio’s first travel-related case of the disease was confirmed Thursday night.  The patient exhibited symptoms for a month and is now in quarantine along with family.  The condition of this patient is unrelated to the 11 COVID-19 cases at Lackland Air Force Base.  San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg has declared a city public health emergency, prohibiting large public gatherings.  Texas has also cancelled many annual events, such as, South by Southwest and Fiesta, which has not been cancelled since World War II.

The WHO recommends washing your hands frequently, maintaining social distancing and avoiding touching your face.  COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you think you might have been exposed to the virus and are exhibiting symptoms, you should call your doctors office beforehand to allow them to limit the amount of bystanding patients you come into contact with.

Neighboring school districts, such as New Braunfels Independent School District and North East Independent School District, have also made the decision to not resume school next week.  For students that have travelled out of the state or country over spring break, the Center of Disease Control recommends a 14 day self quarantine period and to keep about 6 feet away from others if quarantine is not possible.