HOUSTON — Houston ISD has asked several "individuals" to self-quarantine in connection with COVID-19.
The district said the individuals recently traveled to a country on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s travel warning list or they’re close to someone who did.
The district has not specified whether the people are teachers or staffers. Right now, they have no confirmed cases of the coronavirus. However, just to be safe, they’ve asked 14 people to self-quarantine.
Which schools that were directly impacted has not been released, but the district said they’ll announce if they test positive for the virus.
In the meantime, HISD said those schools will undergo a deep cleaning and sanitization which includes fogging all classrooms with a CDC recommended disinfectant.
"Well, it’s good that they’re trying to deep clean the buildings,” said Houston Federation of Teachers VP Andy Dewey.
Dewey does not believe HISD is providing enough information about the people who’ve possibly been exposed.
“What’s going to happen if even one of the 14 ends up positive?" asked Dewey. "Are they going to keep the school open?" "Are they doing to order everyone to stay home?"
HISD would not answer KHOU's specific questions.
But more than one board trustee told us they believe the district is doing what it can to maintain order amid this potential health concern.
"They’re no doubt running scenarios," said Dewey. "But, because they’re not sharing anything, I don’t think there’s anything they’re comfortable with yet.”
Last week, Interim Supt. Grenita Lathan said distance learning could be implemented if schools end up being closed.
HISD encourages students, families, and staff to take extra precautions if they’re traveling over Spring Break.
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