The spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to the closure of many schools across the country and has been the most talked about subject on the news and social media.

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has also canceled all out-of-state field trips, which includes two journalism conferences Daniel Pearl Magnet High School students were planning to attend. In-state field trips are under review.  LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner released a video on March 3 to all families and employees about the precautions the district is taking to prevent the virus. 

“The most important thing we can do from a control standpoint is to make sure we try to prevent the occurrence in our school community,” Beutner said in the video.

The first outbreak originated in Wuhan City, China and from there it spread to Europe, Italy, Brazil, the Middle East and The United States. The first case of the virus in the United States (US) was reported in Washington and the patient died on Feb. 29. Since then, 14 people have died in the US. Out of the 101,770 cases of the virus reported globally, 3,461 have died and 56,108 recovered.  

There have been coronavirus outbreaks in 22 states in the U.S. In California, there are reported cases in the cities of San Diego, Orange County and Tarzana. On March 6, President Donald Trump signed a $8.3 billion emergency spending package to combat the virus. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has posted ways to stay healthy and safe.  The CDC has suggested staying home if you’re sick, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze and washing your hands before you eat and after using the bathroom. 

They also recommend not coming into close contact with people who have recently traveled. The CDC says that people should only wear a surgical face mask if they are showing symptoms of the virus.  

The Los Angeles Unified School District has taken measures by posting information regarding ways to keep yourself healthy during this outbreak. 

Teenagers and young adults shouldn’t be as worried as the older generation because the virus seems to be mainly attacking people with weak immune systems. Some of the virus symptoms to look out for are fevers, coughs and shortness of breath.

“I’m not concerned about the coronavirus infecting me personally but I am worried about schools getting closed,” said sophomore Nathalie Miranda. “I’ve been trying not to touch my face after I touch something.”

For any questions regarding the coronavirus, contact LAUSD’s hotline at (213) 443-1300.