The Novel Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. Currently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports several cases in the United States, including Texas.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you, or someone in your family, has symptoms of Coronavirus (fever, cough, shortness of breath), please call the Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) hotline at 817-248-6299.

During this time, GCISD students and staff are embracing the 3 W's, which are:

• Wear a mask
• Wash your hands
• Watch your distance

Additionally, people should:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth (T-zone).
• Stay home if you are sick. If you have a fever, please stay home until you are fever-free for 24-hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
• Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze, or use a tissue, and then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.

GCISD's complete cleaning and disinfecting protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 can be found in the GCISD Fall 2020 Draft Guide. These protocols are based on current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On the first day a student attends school on campus, GCISD teachers will provide instruction to students on appropriate hygiene practices and other mitigation practices recommended by TEA.

GCISD students and families are encouraged to check their email inbox regularly for updates. Now that the fourth-nine weeks has begun, campus principals will resume their regular schedule of parent newsletters.

The District has created the GCISD Update, an email communication from the district that will now be sent at least once a week with extra editions for major district announcements. If you are not receiving the GCISD Update but would like to, sign up with your email address here.

As always, social media is also a great place to stay up to date on GCISD news. Follow the District on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

GCISD counselors have created this document filled with resources for families. Additionally, elementary school counselors have created this list of resources focused on elementary-aged children.

All information regarding nutrition services during remote learning periods can be found here.