Corpus Christi Schools Extend Spring Break for Coronavirus

March Madness indeed. Gov. Greg Abbott declared a a statewide public health disaster Friday, March 13, due to the coronavirus, which has shut down schools, major events, attractions, and more.
In Corpus Christi, both secondary and higher education schools are extending spring breaks as a precaution against spreading coronavirus, now formally called COVID-19. So far, no cases have been reported in the Coastal Bend, although a close call was reported at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. This in the wake of the World Health Organization officially calling the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.
Schools are expected to reopen Monday, March 23, including the Corpus Christi Consolidated Independent School District, Del Mar College, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and TAMU-Kingsville. For the latest information on other official closings as they are reported, visit the city’s webpage at cctexas.com/coronavirus.
Also taking a step back is the IceRays hockey team, which canceled the rest of its season. The decision was spurred by the cancellation of seasons for the National Hockey League, National Basketball League, and NCAA college basketball, including March Madness.
Locally, the American Bank Center and Whataburger Field are temporarily closed from Friday, March 13, through Sunday, March 22, affecting seven major events planned:
• Broadway’s “The Office,” Friday, March 13
• The Four Tops and Temptations, Sunday, March 15
• Coastal Conservation Association Banquet, Thursday, March 19  
• Senior Officer’s Exam, Thursday, March 19
• Food Truck Festival, Saturday, March 21
• Pops in the Park, Saturday, March 28
• Nine High School baseball games scheduled during that period for Whataburger Field
The mayor’s  State of the City address and luncheon, which is a fundraiser for the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, has also been postponed. It was originally slated for Thursday, March 19.
Driscoll Children’s Hospital reported March 12 that an employee had symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and had been in contact with a recent traveler within the United States. That person became a “Person Under Investigation” and was tested for the disease. The test came back negative.
Driscoll has implemented a new process called Code Dove as a precaution. All employees, including doctors, are required to stop and perform hand hygiene when an announcement is made over the PA system. Patients and visitors will be encouraged to join staff in hand washing and sanitizing.
By the end of March, a COVID-19 test center is expected to be set up in Corpus Christi, one of 10 scheduled for the state. Six are already open in key cities. All 10 together should be able to test 125 total samples per day when fully operational.
Signs at H-E-B and Sam’s Club stores notify customers of limitations on sales of certain products. Walmart issued a statement that it would restock cleaning items as much as possible, reserving the right to limit sales depending on circumstances.
“We have authorized our store managers to manage their inventory, including the discretion to limit sales quantities on items that are in unusually high demand,” reads the Walmart statement.
Sam’s Club is limiting water sales to two cases per customer. H-E-B limits are for four units each of disinfecting sprays and wipes, hand sanitizer and soap, latex gloves, and rubbing alcohol. Customers may purchase two units of bleach and two packages of bath tissue.
COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease that was first diagnosed in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The illness can be fatal for elderly, infants, and those with chronic health issues.
The Texas Department of Health Services has issued these guidelines for prevention:
1)      Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
2)      Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
3)      Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
4)      Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
5)      Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
6)      Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Anyone who thinks they may have the coronavirus is asked to contact the Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public District at 361-826-7200.
As of March 13, at least 1,663 people in 46 states tested positive for the virus, according to a New York Times database. At least 41 patients with the virus have died. In Texas, 38 cases have been reported.