Ambleside's Response to COVID-19
I am, I can, I ought, I will
From the Desk of Mrs. Flora and Mrs. Vosburg
Dear Ambleside Families,
Concern around the country and the world is rising about the new coronavirus (COVID-19). While there have been no cases in San Angelo, and while we do not anticipate an outbreak in our area, we are getting prepared for that eventuality at Ambleside. The new coronavirus making headlines is a more virulent strain of a family of viruses that usually cause a common cold (upper respiratory tract infection) in humans. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/general-information.html
This new strain has been officially named COVID-19. Most germs in this family are benign - routine minor cough and cold that runs its course. A couple of strains in the last 20 years have caused havoc, SARS (China) in 2002, and MERS (Middle East) in 2012. Over months they both died out. For instance, no SARS has been identified since 2004. These are viruses, and so antibiotics are not effective. Some medical studies are underway exploring whether anti-Flu medications have any benefit.
On March 2nd the CDC made specific recommendations for schools regarding preparation beyond common sense measures we've already been implementing this year for a bad Flu season. The experts believe the transmission of this respiratory disease is not different than common colds and the Flu. We will seek to implement the CDC guidelines for schools, and will continue to consult with healthcare professionals in our community regarding this matter. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-for-schools.html
It is important to know that during a major outbreak, Ambleside would follow the health department’s lead on any quarantines, closures, or other health actions needed. Our concern is twofold: the safety and health of our students and staff, and how to continue to offer an excellent education for your children. We have discussed doing remote education during an extended school closure, and are ready to pursue this option should the need arise.
For now, you should know that our plan for the coming weeks is four fold:
(1) We will continue the common sense measures already underway of encouraging frequent hand washing and daily wiping down desks, doorknobs, and restrooms. We will also begin to implement CDC recommendations that are not covered by our current practice.
(2) You as parents should be responsible for your child's recovery and minimizing potential transmission by keeping your child at home with fever and/or respiratory symptoms (please review coronavirus symptoms here). If your child begins exhibiting symptoms at school they will be sent home.
(3) We are continuing to monitor the situation and will keep you abreast of any changes that we make in our approach to health and safety during a potential outbreak in San Angelo. While we do not anticipate that happening, we are prepared and will comply with the CDC and local health officials.
(4) Please pray for God to keep our community in health, and for those sick around the world.
Feel free to reach out to the Ambleside Office with any questions; we will be available during this season to take your calls. We will continue to monitor the situation and if school closure needs to occur we will make up the days later in the spring term. We respect the decision of each individual family and if you decide to keep your student home as a preventative measure that is your right. Please let the teacher know if you will be keeping your child home and they will prepare make up work for students to complete at home, please work with your child's teacher on when to pick up work and to turn it back in, in a timely manner.
We will communicate through email, remind and our private Face Book page, please check frequently for updates.
Every Blessing,
Ambleside Administration and Board
From Shannon Medical Center
March 10, 2020
Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Concho Valley and the immediate risk remains low. Shannon continues to work closely with our area and state partners to proactively monitor the transmission of this virus and plan for the care of our patients.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have released recommendations for using telemedicine to initially assess patients for exposure to COVID-19 and to help direct patients to the appropriate site of care. This resource allows patients to remain in their homes, minimizing the risk of spreading the virus or coming into contact with others who may be symptomatic.
Our telemedicine platform, Shannon On Demand, is equipped with providers to assess individuals who are worried they may have been exposed to the virus and are suffering from mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. The providers are utilizing the CDC’s guidelines to screen patients for COVID-19, which include asking about a patient's travel history and exposure to the virus as well as their symptoms.
In a collaborative effort to help curtail fear among patients, prevent potential spread within our communities, and reduce the burden on our regional resources, Shannon is offering individuals the ability to receive a free assessment for COVID-19 symptoms from their homes through Shannon On Demand. The service is available online 24/7 at www.ShannonOnDemand.com.
If the Shannon On Demand provider determines a patient should receive further evaluation for COVID-19 testing, they will immediately refer them to the local urgent care clinic or emergency department for additional testing and coordination with state and local health authorities. The provider will contact the facility to inform the intake clinician of the patient’s information and their estimated arrival. If they determine a patient needs emergency care, they will contact
9-1-1 and notify the closest hospital.
To start a screening, patients will go to Shannon’s telemedicine website at www.ShannonOnDemand.com. To utilize the service on a mobile device, download the free Shannon On Demand app from the Apple or Google Play app stores. Patients then must create an account by following the prompts to set up their screening. Upon reaching the payment screen, enter the code "SHANNONCOVID19," and the screening will be free.
We will be sharing this information through local media channels. Please feel free to share with patients as you receive inquiries.
Ambleside School of San Angelo
Email: HOS@amblesidesanangelo.com
Location: 511 West Harris Avenue, San Angelo, TX, USA
Phone: 325-659-1654