Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Facts About Coronavirus


Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease first detected in China and has now spread to 60 locations internationally, including the United States. 

Although no Coronavirus cases have been reported in Duncanville ISD or other North Texas communities, we will continue to work with professionals in the Dallas County Health DepartmentTexas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to remain informed and be prepared to quickly respond if necessary.

How Does Coronavirus spread?

Current understanding about how the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) spreads is largely based on what is known about similar coronaviruses.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID‑19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest). Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Coronavirus

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What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?

Patients with COVID‑19 have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms can include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

At this time, CDC believes that symptoms of COVID‑19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS coronaviruses.

What is Duncanville ISD doing to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and other communicable illnesses?

Duncanville ISD has registered nurses trained to address communicable illnesses. The nurses, as well as campus leaders, reinforce the following:

  • Proper handwashing (soap and water for 20 seconds and hand sanitizer in between)
  • Washing hands after certain activities, including bathroom breaks or recess and before lunch
  • Cough and sneeze etiquette (cough into the upper sleeve or use tissue and dispose of it)
  • Keeping hands away from eyes, nose and mouth
  • Staying home if sick and being fever-free before returning to school

Parents are encouraged to follow the standardized practice for keeping students who are ill at home, such as a fever, vomiting, diarrhea.

Duncanville ISD is also using a preventative antibacterial misting system at campuses to thoroughly and widely disinfect. This misting system uses a medical-grade disinfectant that helps offset the spread of illness to provide a cleaner, safer learning environment for students and staff.