Coronavirus
Situation Summary
The latest situation summary updates are distributed via the CDC Health Alert Network.
This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available.
DoDEA Schools
We have been closely following recent media reports and information from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about the Coronavirus. While the CDC considers this is a very serious public health threat, based on current information, the immediate health risk from Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) to the general American public is considered low at this time. No cases have been suspected or confirmed among our students or employees in any of our DoDEA schools. If your child has traveled to China within the last 14 days; please seek and follow medical advice and monitor your child's health condition.
Outbreaks like this are always troublesome. Some parents and students might be worried about this virus and how it may impact our schools and communities.
Be assured that we are aware of these concerns. The safety of our students and employees is paramount. This is a rapidly changing situation and we are still learning about the COVID-19. Please know that we will be working closely with our military partners and health officials to monitor the situation and provide additional guidance as needed. The immediate risk to our school population is low at this time.
How can parents help?
Our school nurses and staff will be working with students to promote good hygiene and to keep everyone healthy and safe. We also work with our custodial providers to ensure our schools receive thorough cleaning every day. Parents are asked for help in reinforcing healthy practices at home with children.
The coronavirus is believed to be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, much in the way the flu and other respiratory viruses are spread. Symptoms are thought to appear within 2 to 14 days after exposure and consist of fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
At this time, persons considered at risk for contracting the virus are those with recent travel to Wuhan, China, or individuals in close contact with infected persons. There is much more to learn about COVID-19 and investigations are ongoing. The latest situation summary updates are available on CDC’s web page 2019 Novel Coronavirus, Wuhan, China.
For confirmed COVID-19 infections, reported illnesses have ranged from infected people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure. This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS viruses.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Right now, COVID-19 has not been found to be spreading in the United States, so there are no additional precautions recommended for the general public to take. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.
There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19 infection. People infected with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
This website will provide updates to parents as needed.
In situations like this, it is best to rely on factual information from reliable sources. For more information on this matter, DoDEA encourages you to reach out to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention at and to speak with our military health providers.
