Coronavirus Update

Greenhill Families,As you are likely aware, this week the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) held a press conference on the current status of the coronavirus (COVID-19). As the CDC emphasized, the coronavirus is not currently spreading in the United States. However, we want to assure families that Greenhill has policies and procedures in place to ensure that we are prepared to act swiftly and proactively if the need arises. The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is, as always, our highest priority. We also want to assure you that Greenhill is keeping track of this situation through proven and trustworthy sources: Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These health officials believe the risk to our school community is low at this time.Based on the CDC recommendation, we are preparing for the possibility that a coronavirus outbreak may dictate a school closure for an extended period of time. Public health officials have urged schools to prepare and have a plan ready in the event of a mandated closure. On Wednesday, our Administrative team began preparing for remote instruction and the delivery of educational materials in case our normal school routine is disrupted. We will share more information regarding these plans over the coming weeks.The most important thing we can do as a school is to make our environment as safe as possible. We will continue to inform you of any additional measures we decide to implement as we follow guidance from DCHHS and the CDC.As spring break approaches (and with it, the potential for our families to travel in and beyond the United States), we ask our community to abide by any travel restrictions implemented by the CDC or State Department. The situation remains fluid. In the coming days and weeks, other countries could be added to those currently included in travel advisories. Please continue to refer to the CDC website for changes in travel alerts.Additionally, please be extremely vigilant about your health and the health of your children as we try to protect the Greenhill community. The CDC recommends the following:• 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 and remain home until you have been fever-free for 24 hours.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.The CDC offers additional information about COVID-19 here, and the WHO has posted guidelines here.Greenhill will continue to monitor information about the coronavirus outbreak and remain in close contact with DCHHS. Thank you for your commitment to keeping our community safe. If you have any questions, please feel free to reply to ghinformation@greenhill.org and your question will be routed appropriately.Lee J. Hark
Head of School