News

COVID-19: SFIS Superintendent's Message

March 2, 2020

Good day to all. I have attached some information regarding the Coronavirus and general information which will help prevent the spread of any virus.

The Santa Fe Indian School has a safe environment. To be proactive our custodians and facility staff are using additional procedures to sanitize our facilities. Frequency of cleaning our restrooms, drinking fountains, door knobs, areas exposed to touch by humans, deeper cleaning, and use of approved cleaning agents are being utilized to kill germs and aid in the sanitizing of our school.

Many parts of the world are experiencing an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus called COVID-19. It is natural to feel some anxiety when hearing the reports. The health and safety of our students is always our top priority, and we work closely with the New Mexico State Department of Health.

The New Mexico State Department of Health (NMDOH) reports that there are no known cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico, and the risk of contracting it here continues to be low.

Currently, the NMDOH advises that there are not any special precautions needed beyond what is normally recommended to prevent the spread of viruses. You can help reduce the risk of getting and spreading viral respiratory infections, including the flu and the common cold by taking simple steps, which will also prevent COVID-19. These include:

Stay home when you are sick.

Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose. Help young children do the same. If hands are visibly dirty, use soap and water to clean hands.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Follow routine cleaning and disinfecting. Emphasize cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw away the used tissue in the trash and wash hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer (if soap and water are not readily available).

Get the flu shot annually.

Have adequate supplies for good hygiene, including clean and functional hand washing stations, soap, paper towels, and alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Daily cleaning of our restrooms and drinking fountains.

We will continue to share any new information with from public health agencies. We ask that you also please use information from public health agencies as trusted sources of information and be mindful and thoughtful by sharing only accurate information with your children and fellow community members.

Resources:
New Mexico Department of Health Corona Virus webpage https://cv.nmhealth.org/
Centers for Disease Control Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) webpage

Warm regards,
Roy Herrera, Superintendent