Parents of students at Turner Ashby High School and Wilbur S. Pence Middle School received a letter last night informing that the TAHS administration had been informed that a student has been quarantined after displaying flu-like symptoms. The student tested negative for influenza, but was not tested for Coronavirus COVID-19 as the student didn't meet the criteria of the Virginia Department of Health.
The schools are currently disinfecting "high touch" areas.
Here's the letter that was sent out:
Dear Parents,
Late on Tuesday afternoon, we received a call from the parent of a Turner Ashby student. The parent shared with the TAHS administration that her child was experiencing flu-like symptoms and was taken to the doctor where the child was tested for the flu. The results of this test were negative. The test to detect the COVID-19 virus was not used as the student did not meet the criteria provided by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to be administered such a test. A copy of the criteria is attached to this email. Because of the nature of the child’s symptoms and the lack of a definitive test, the doctor did recommend the child, along with all members of the family living in the home, (including two students from Wilbur S. Pence Middle School) remain under quarantine for 14 days. The family has agreed to follow this recommendation.
As a precaution, and in line with best practice, the custodial staff at both schools is working to thoroughly disinfect “high touch” surfaces at the school including tables, desks, water fountains, and door handles. The health of students and staff is our highest priority. We will continue to monitor the situation and communicate with families as new information becomes available.
Here are steps everyone can take to respond to this emerging public health threat:
It’s currently flu and respiratory disease season. CDC, VDH and Central Shenandoah Health District recommend that everyone 6 months of age or older get a flu vaccine. It’s not too late to do this. Flu and COVID-19 symptoms can appear similar.
Practice good infection control measures at home, school and work. This includes washing your hands frequently, covering your cough (into a tissue or your sleeve), and staying home from work/school if you are ill.
Avoid close contact with people who are ill. Also, avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.
If you are considering travel, please see the CDC’s travel website regarding coronavirus at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html for more information.
·Measures that can be taken to reduce the spread of disease:
Personal actions include hand washing, covering your cough and sneeze, and staying home if ill.
Community actions include social distancing measures to reduce the risk of people who are sick coming into contact with others.
Environmental actions include cleaning measures, especially of high touch surfaces (desks, keyboards, doorknobs, phones)
If you have been in China, or have been exposed to someone sick with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, you may face some limitations on your movement and activity. Please follow health department instructions during this time. Your cooperation is integral to the ongoing public health response to COVID-19.
Thank you for your partnership as we continue to prepare and respond to this evolving public health threat. For patient-specific questions, we recommend you contact your healthcare provider. For general coronavirus questions, please visit the VDH coronavirus website listed above, or call the VDH call center at 877-ASK-VDH3. An information pamphlet about the COVID-19 is attached to this email.
Last week, Parents of Spotswood High School students were notified about a situation concerning a family self-quarantining over fears of exposure to the coronavirus.
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With several universities already moving to online classes after their spring break to help avoid the spread of the Covid-19 virus, JMU announced via its twitter this week..."At this point, classes are expected to meet as normal on March 16 following the conclusion of JMU’s spring break. Official updates will be posted tohttp://jmu.edu/covid19and emailed from president@jmu.edu."
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