SAFETY MEASURES TAKEN FOR RISD HIGH RISK EMPLOYEES
Dear Raymondville
ISD Community,
The health and
safety of our school community is my top priority, and recent developments with
the COVID-19 pandemic have only strengthened my resolve to protect our
staff.
In an abundance of
caution, I am directing all staff members who are at a higher risk for severe
illness to work from home, effective March 26, 2020.
Based upon
available information to date, the CDC lists those at high-risk for severe
illness from COVID-19 including:
- People aged
65 years and older
- People with
high risk underlying medical conditions such as chronic lung disease,
moderate to severe asthma, heart conditions, immunocompromised people,
including cancer patients, people with uncontrolled diabetes, renal
failure, or liver disease.
- People of any
age with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >40) or
certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well
controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease
might also be at risk
- People who
are pregnant should be monitored since they are known to be at risk with
severe viral illness, however, to date data on COVID-19 has not shown an
increased risk
Employees should
visit the CDC website and consult with your primary care physician if you are
unsure whether you should come into work. It is imperative that you also
communicate with your supervisor to make them aware of your situation.
This directive is
in addition to the measures we are already taking to protect the health and
safety of employees:
- Practice
social distancing. Staff members reporting to work may not
congregate
- Frequent
handwashing (for at least 20 seconds)
- Increased
availability of hand sanitizer
- Covering your
cough or sneeze
- Fewer than
ten people in the school building at any time
- Stay home if
you feel sick. Report illness to the District Health Coordinator.
- Health screenings for everyone entering the campuses
I have already
informed all employees that Raymondville ISD will exceed federal guidelines and
will continue paying the wages of all regularly employed staff. This staff
includes salaried and hourly, contractual and non-contractual. Furthermore, the
District will provide premium pay for hourly employees who are required to be
physically present at work during the emergency closing.
We will continue to
be proactive in protecting the health and safety of our school community.
During these
trying times, it is important for us to remain calm and be mindful that in the
United States, there are no confirmed deaths of children as of
today.
Raymondville ISD
will continue to provide meals to children ages 18 and younger, regardless of
their school district.
Thank you for your
support and God Bless.
Sincerely,
Stetson Roane