By Communications Department - Archdiocese of Miami

As the global COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak rapidly evolves and expands, the schools in the Archdiocese of Miami will continue to follow the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Florida Department of Health and any directives issued by Miami-Dade, Broward or Monroe counties on the most effective prevention measures including any directives to adjust schedules or school closing.

We are aware that many of you have travel plans for spring break. However, the CDC has issued extensive travel advisories for areas experiencing wider community spread of the virus. As of March 3, 2020, China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran are listed at Warning Level 3; Japan is at Alert Level 2; and Hong Kong is at Watch Level 1. Please keep in mind that travel notices are changing almost daily and additional countries may be added to the list.

There is special guidance for cruises. The CDC typically posts travel health notices for countries and other international destinations, not conveyances, such as ships, airplanes, or trains. Because of the unusual nature of the novel coronavirus outbreak, the US government is advising US travelers to defer cruise ship travel. If you take a cruise in the next few weeks, you will be at Warning Level 3. This will be a 14-day self-quarantine and may report to school only if symptom free after the 14-day period.

If you are traveling outside the US for spring break, you are encouraged to please check the most current CDC travel health notices by visiting https://wwwnc.cdsc.gov/travel/notices. The CDC strongly recommends that travel to countries at an Alert Level 2 or Warning Level 3 be put on hold for the foreseeable future. Return to the US from all or most of these countries will require a mandatory self-quarantine for up to 14 days before your child could return to school.

The Archdiocese of Miami will be following the guidance below as provided by the CDC if someone in your household is travelling/has traveled to areas with travel advisories due to the COVID-19.

Travel Advisory: Level Associated Action

• Warning Level 3: Students must be self-quarantined at home for 14 days and may report to school only if symptom free after the 14-day period.
• Alert Level 2: It is strongly suggested that students self-quarantine at home for 14 days and return to school only if symptom free after the quarantine.
• Watch Level 1: Students are encouraged to self-quarantine at home for 14 days upon their return.

If you recently traveled or have plans to visit any Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 countries in the foreseeable future, you are requested to advise your principal immediately via email. Please make sure to include the dates and locations(s) or travel. If travel to these areas is critical or essential, please advise your principal and make arrangements for school assignments to be completed by your child upon the return to the US during the quarantine period.

The health and safety of our students, staff and school-community is our paramount concern. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact, Kim Pryzbylski, Superintendent of Schools, 305-762-1078.

Thank you for your help in this ongoing situation.