(Versión en español a continuación del inglés)
Dear Nido Community,
We know this is a challenging week but we have seen some amazing teaching and learning occurring in these first days. Each division will be collecting feedback by early next week to take into consideration as we move forward. Thank you to all parents, teachers, staff, and students who are collaborating on this journey.
Today, Chile remains in Phase 4 and, because of the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases, President Sebastián Piñera declared a State of Catastrophe valid for the next 90 days effective Thursday, March 19th at 12:00am.
Some of the reasons for declaring a State of Catastrophe are to give the government the ability to restrict meetings in public spaces; establish and enforce quarantines or curfews; ensure the distribution of basic goods and services; dictate measures for the protection of public utilities; give greater security to hospitals, health care, and the transfer of medical supplies; safeguard the country's borders; and allow the armed forces to assist in these duties. In addition, malls will be closed effective tomorrow, March 19, with the exception of banks, supermarkets, pharmacies, health centers, and hardware stores.
Please note that the government is ensuring that grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open and supplied with a normal amount of food and products. In the past few days, grocery stores have had a reduced stock due to people reacting to the news by purchasing more than they need for themselves and not because of any shortage.
We are still recommending that everyone stay home if possible in self-quarantine with their families and practice social distancing so that we help slow the spread of the virus and not overwhelm the health care services in Santiago. We know that this is a difficult time for many, and we want you to know that our counseling services are available for all students. Each counseling office has published a helpful website with resources for students and parents, all accessible through the Nido Parent Portal under the relevant division. Nido parents can log in with their username: USERNAME_HIDDEN.
We will continue to send more information as it becomes available.
Warmest regards,
David B. Perry
Headmaster