In light of the current health concerns regarding the H1N1 (Swine) Flu outbreak in the United States, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you about what we are currently doing within the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Corpus Christi, and the steps you should take to have a plan for your family in the event the situation worsens.
The health and safety of the students is our utmost concern at all times. We are closely monitoring the situation within our Catholic schools. In addition, our schools are reporting to their respective County Health Department information of all the cases of students or staff reporting flu-like symptoms. We continue to be in contact with health officials from the County Health Department for guidance, in order to coordinate our response should a probable or confirmed case occur within one of our schools.
Any student that is sent home with flu-like symptoms or is absent with flu-like symptoms is now required to have a physician's clearance in order to return to school. This measure has been put into place to ensure that any case of the flu is properly evaluated by a medical professional to determine whether the potential for the H1N1 Flu exists. It is important for you to keep your child at home if he/she develops any flu-like symptoms or if you or anyone living in your home develops any flu-like symptoms until an evaluation by a physician has been made.
It is important that you and your family begin planning now for the potential closure of the school your child attends. If the school your child attends closes, it is important that he/she remain at home and avoid any mass gatherings, group activities, or other activities with individuals outside of your home. It is important that you plan now for care for your child if his/her school closes. We also recommend that you speak with your employer about your plans.
If any Catholic school closes for a probable or confirmed case, we will cancel all after-school events and activities at that particular school as well as all athletic events and other extracurricular events.
Rest assured that all Catholic school Principals have been issued a plan of action from my Office should the situation regarding the H1N1 Flu worsen.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation during this challenging time. We will continue to provide updates to you, through your school, as additional information becomes available or circumstances change.
We pray for the well-being of those afflicted by this illness and for all public health officials as they guide us in eradicating this threat.
Sincerely in Christ,
René Gonzalez
Mr. René Gonzalez
Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Diocese of Corpus Christi
