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Coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 (previously known as 2019 novel coronavirus or 2019-nCoV), is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. It is part of a larger family of viruses called coronavirus, some of which are in circulation normally and can cause illnesses like the common cold. This information section is designed to provide a synopsis of the situation and how St. Anthony School has and will continue to be ready to protect student and staff health and well-being. 

St. Anthony Staff & Families,

I would like to provide some updates in regards to our school response to the Covid-19 outbreak.  As I mentioned in the March newsletter published on Feb. 28th, we are continuing to monitor the spread of this virus and will continue to update you with information as it occurs.  It is important that people stick to the facts published on the CDC and AZ Dept. of Health websites for accurate information.   

According to the CDC, " For the majority of people, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low. There is not widespread circulation in most communities in the United States. "  The CDC does warn that it’s likely that at some point, widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the United States will occur.   In that event, the risk assessment will be different, which is why we will continue to monitor this situation.  In situations like this, we don't want false information to cause undue anxiety or stress, therefore I encourage you to visit the CDC website and read more about the CDC report at:   https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html 

It is important to note that it is currently flu and respiratory disease season in Arizona, and with that in mind, we remind all of our staff to take the following precautions, no matter what time of year it is, to keep our workplace healthy:

• Get a flu shot if possible
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds (Say the Our Father!)
• Cover your cough and sneezes
• Keep common area surfaces clean with disinfecting wipes
• Stay home if you are feeling ill

Be mindful for symptoms such as:

• Frequent/persistent cough
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Rash and fever or a rash that is contagious

If we are alerted that any type of outbreak is occurring in Navajo County, we will immediately follow all protocols set forth by the County Health Department.  While there is no cause for alarm, our staff is developing contingency plans for students and staff in case we need to modify instruction in the future.  In the event of a school facility closure, students would be required to complete weekly work packets at home along with a possibility of online lessons and meetings for jr. high students.  Plans and details for this would be communicated to all families through our communication channels of text, email, social media, and our school website.  Visit https://stantschool.org/family-info for all school information and updates in regards to Covid-19.

What has the school been doing to prepare?

• Communication to parents in the March newsletter.  Ongoing updates will be published on school website and communicated via text, email, and social media.
• Increased attention from janitorial staff to disinfect high use/touch areas throughout the school.
• Increased attention in classrooms by teachers and students to use disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and proper handwashing reminders.
• P,I.P. purchased touchless faucets and soap dispensers to be installed in the school bathrooms.
• Confirmed adequate inventories of cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, etc.

What will the school do going forward?

• Over Spring Break the touchless faucets and soap dispensers will be installed in our bathrooms.  When students return, we will give another lesson on handwashing and proper use of the new touchless systems.
• Also, over Spring Break, we will disinfect high use/touch areas including computers and buses.
• The St. Anthony Website, www.stantschool.org, has a dedicated area under the "Family Info" tab that we will continue to update with pertinent information.
• New protocols for Mass will be implemented based on Fr. Dan's recommendations that limit hand to hand contact.
• Excused sick absences - We will have the "if you're sick, stay home" policy in place.  Students, teachers, and staff who present fever and/or respiratory symptoms are sent home immediately.  Students will be separated from others until they go home.
• Reminder signs will be posted throughout the school for proper hand washing.
• Technology survey will be sent out to all families to assess at home technology readiness for possible school facility closure.
• In the event of a school facility closure, families will be notified through our communication channels of our closure date and expected duration.  There will be a 2-3 business day transition period for teachers to prepare home packets and assignments along with a detailed communication about how to proceed with at home instruction.  
• We will continue to monitor the situation, follow guidelines set forth by the health departments and the CDC, and we will continue to update and communicate as we move forward.

Again, we will continue to monitor this fluid situation.  For additional information, please refer to the following web pages: 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Arizona Department of Health Services

https://www.azdhs.gov/

We thank you for your trust and support in St. Anthony School.  We will keep you updated with our hard work and dedication to your child's safety.

Bryan Yorksmith

Principal - St. Anthony School

Print Resources

Q.  Are children more susceptible to the virus that causes COVID-19 compared with the general population and how can infection be prevented?   No, there is no evidence that children are more susceptible. In fact, most confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported from China have occurred in adults. Infections in children have been reported, including in very young children. From limited information published from past Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreaks, infection among children was relatively uncommon. 

Q: Does the clinical presentation of COVID-19 differ in children compared with adults?   Limited reports of children with COVID-19 in China have described cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting and diarrhea) have been reported in at least one child with COVID-19. These limited reports suggest that children with confirmed COVID-19 have generally presented with mild symptoms, and though severe complications (acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock) have been reported, they appear to be uncommon.  See more information on CDC Clinical Guidance for COVID-19. 

Q: Are there any treatments available for children with COVID-19?   There are currently no antiviral drugs recommended or licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for COVID-19. Clinical management includes prompt implementation of recommended infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings and supportive management of complications. See more information on CDC Clinical Guidance for COVID-19.   

Q: What is St. Anthony School doing to help protect students during this period of heightened awareness relating to public health?  This situation, just like any other communicable disease, would be handled on our campus under the guidance of the Arizona Department of Health Services.  We are continually monitoring all information and websites dedicated to sharing information on this evolving situation.  All pertinent information on prevention has been shared with parents and employees, and at this time, there are no identified cases in the St. Anthony School community.  Parents should refer to the official web page of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Q: Where can I get the most accurate facts and up-to-date information about the quickly evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) situation?   Under the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with the Arizona Department of Health Services, St. Anthony School is following the protocols and information they are disseminating to the public. 

A message from our principal published on March 12th (please read above).

March School Newsletter published on February 28th.

April School Newsletter published on April 1st.

May School Newsletter published on May 4th.

Summer Newsletter published on June 23rd.

Principal Letter published on July 8th.

School Closure Update - 3/22/2020

E-Learning/At Home Packet Launch

School Closure Update - 3/30/2020