Hello CA Community,
Congratulations to all on having completed two-thirds of the school year, and welcome to the (almost) beginning of our T2 break!
We do hope that everybody has an opportunity to step back and relax a bit during our two weeks away from class, spending time with friends and family and perhaps pursuing an outside hobby or two!
This is also a time where families take the opportunity to travel. With the most recent developments regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), I thought I’d share a short update, some resources, and a few reminders.
Updates
Cary Academy continues to monitor the situation as it relates to school operations and travel. Last week we canceled our 10th grade world language trip to China scheduled to leave in late May. Decisions on other language trips scheduled to Germany, France, and Argentina will be made when we return from break.
The school’s Emergency Management Team is reviewing protocols should we need to adjust school operations due to external or internal developments related to the virus. Thankfully, we have a robust technology platform that can provide for some virtual learning continuity, should the very remote need arise. In the meantime, the upcoming break will allow for our facilities staff to fully clean and disinfect the school.
Resources
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is providing updates related to the virus. Families or individuals traveling over the break may also want to consult the US State Department’s travel advisories. Locally, you may want to consult the North Carolina Division of Public Health, which is also tracking the governor’s task force on the virus. There is no shortage of other tips and reminders about the virus in the media at the moment. Today’s NYT had a nice, practical piece.
Reminders
As many have experienced, this year’s flu season has been challenging. Some of the basic measures to protect yourself and others from the flu are worth a reminder:
- Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly (long enough to say the alphabet).
- Avoid touching your mouth, face, or eyes.
- Cover your mouth when you cough, preferably into your elbow and not your hand.
- It is never too late to get a flu shot. Consult the CDC flu page for more information.
Symptoms of coronavirus may appear a few to as many as 14 days after exposure. If you feel you have symptoms such as a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, or fever please do consult a medical specialist.
Finally, we continue to ask that you do not come to school if you are unwell. In addition, we expect that students have been fever free (without use of fever-reducing medicines) for 24 hours before returning to school.
Despite these somewhat unpleasant reminders, we do hope you all enjoy a healthy and restful break!
Wishing all the best for a great Ubuntu celebration tomorrow.
Best,
Dr. Ehrhardt