The novel (new) 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 (new) coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

According to the CDC, the virus that causes COVID-19 belongs to a family of viruses called “coronavirus.” There are other viruses in the coronavirus family that can cause illness in both humans and animals. These viruses can cause either mild illness like a cold or can make people very sick with pneumonia. This particular coronavirus has not been seen previously in humans. The virus is likely to be spread from person to person. Since the virus is very new, health authorities continue to carefully watch how this virus spreads.

While both these illnesses are respiratory viruses with symptoms of fever and a cough, it is recommended that anyone experiencing these symptoms speak with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when sick.
• Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Practice “Social Distancing”

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and you are not insured, call 211. They will instruct you on whether or not you need to be tested and where you can go for that testing

The best way to prevent this illness is to avoid being exposed with person to person contact. Even though you are feeling healthy, social distancing means not gathering at places like a friend’s house, a favorite restaurant, or the local shopping mall. Thank you for helping stop the spread of COVID-19 in our Big Red Community by staying home.

The following resources are available to help the public stay informed about COVID-19.

• Bell County Public Health District - https://www.bellcountyhealth.org
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – cdc.gov/COVID19
• Texas Department of State Health Services – dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/

BISD is not expecting virtual learning to take place the week of March 16-20. However, we have asked our teachers to begin thinking about and exploring what virtual learning or continued instruction through extended closure might look like should it be needed.

We know our teachers care deeply for our students and may choose to reach out to students to connect with them during the school closure, but it is not an expectation that students are working March 16-20.

District offices will be closed to staff, students and the public. All district events and competitions that have been scheduled within the district during this timeframe will be considered canceled until further notice. 

For the safety of Belton ISD players, families and staff, all district athletic events have been canceled through March 29, 2020, until further notice. This includes practices and open gyms and weight rooms. BISD is in constant communication with county health officials to monitor the rapidly changing circumstances surrounding COVID-19.

All UIL student practices and competitions are postponed through Sunday, March 29, 2020 or until further notice.