HOUSTON — While kids aren’t in the classroom, an HISD elementary school teacher is going above and beyond to help her students.
Catherine Frank is a first grade teacher at Travis Elementary School.
“When the schools started to close, I started thinking about all the students who rely on their schools to provide breakfast and lunch every day,” Frank said.
She thought of an idea to help. She launched CE Paperie to sell stationery she designed.
Frank placed a big order with a plan to donate 100 percent of proceeds to Feeding Texas, which partners with area food banks.
“I started selling and ended the sale 48 hours later. We were able to donate 3,500 meals,” she said.
Since COVID-19 closed schools and a growing number of businesses, there have been lines around the block at food distribution sites.
She hopes her cards also help people feel connected despite being isolated.
“Not only do we get to benefit a wonderful cause, it will continue just by spreading love from person to person through a handwritten note,” Frank said.
To learn more about CE Paperie, visit https://www.cepaperie.com/.
Coronavirus symptoms
The symptoms of coronavirus can be similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Some patients also have nausea, body aches, headaches and stomach issues. Losing your sense of taste and/or smell can also be an early warning sign.
Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80 percent of the cases there were mild.
But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk for becoming seriously ill. However, U.S. experts are seeing a significant number of younger people being hospitalized, including some in ICU.
The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.
Human coronaviruses are usually spread through...
- The air by coughing or sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
Help stop the spread of coronavirus
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Eat and sleep separately from your family members
- Use different utensils and dishes
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hand.
- If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
- Follow social distancing
Lower your risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.
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