~ PVN staff report based on PCPS press releases
LURAY, Dec. 2 — Since the Thanksgiving holiday break began, Page County Public Schools has issued seven press releases about COVID-19 cases being discovered over the past week at four schools in Page County.
On Wednesday, Dec. 2, the school system issued the following notices:
• Our school division is informing parents and guardians that a student at Shenandoah Elementary School has been diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This person was last on school premises on Tuesday, Nov. 24 before becoming symptomatic on Sunday, Nov. 29. This person did NOT have direct exposure (within 6 feet for 15 minutes) with other members of the school community. At this time, Shenandoah Elementary School will remain OPEN.
• Our school division is informing parents and guardians that a staff member at Stanley Elementary School has been diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This person was last on school premises on Tuesday, Dec. 1 before testing positive later on Tuesday, Dec. 1. This person did NOT have direct exposure (within 6 feet for 15 minutes) with other members of the school community. At this time, Stanley Elementary School will remain closed through Friday, Dec. 4.
On Monday, Nov. 30, the school system issued the following:
• Our school division is informing parents and guardians that a student and staff member at Luray High School have been diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These people were on school premises last on Tuesday, Nov. 24 before testing positive on Sunday, Nov. 29. These people did NOT have direct exposure (within 6 feet for 15 minutes) with other members of the school community. Luray High School will remain OPEN at this time.
• Our school division is informing parents and guardians that staff members at Stanley Elementary School have been diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These people were on school premises last on Wednesday, Nov. 25 before testing positive Sunday, Nov. 29. These people did have direct exposure (within 6 feet for 15 minutes) with other members of the school staff. At this time, Stanley Elementary School will remain closed through Friday, Dec. 4.
On Sunday, Nov. 29, Page County Public Schools posted:
• Today, PCPS was notified that some positive COVID-19 cases were identified at Stanley Elementary. We have isolated and quarantined several staff/students. With the large number of Stanley Elementary staff absent due to protocols of COVID-19 isolation, we are unable to continue to provide in-person instruction for this upcoming week. Effective Monday, November 30th, Stanley Elementary will move entirely to remote learning until at least December 4, 2020. Families will receive further information regarding instructional materials. We appreciate your patience and understanding during these difficult times.
On Friday, Nov. 27, the school system issued the following notices:
• Our school division is informing parents and guardians that a student or staff member at Page County Middle School has been diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This person was on school premises
last on Monday, Nov. 23 before testing positive. This person did NOT have direct exposure (within 6 feet for 15 minutes) with other members of the school community. Page County Middle School will remain OPEN at this time.
• Our school division is informing parents and guardians that a student or staff member at Stanley Elementary School has been diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This person was on school premises
last on Friday, Nov. 20 before testing positive. This person did have direct exposure (within 6 feet for 15 minutes) with other members of the school community. Stanley Elementary School will remain OPEN at this time.
Each notice from the local school division also stated:
We are working closely with the Virginia Department of Health to identify anyone else who may have had close contact with the person to determine if they might have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.
If you or your child had been identified as having been potentially exposed, the Virginia Department of Health would contact you to ask that you please stay home and monitor your symptoms since your last contact for 14 days. If you are not contacted by the health department or have not been contacted by school administration, then you do not need to stay home or exclude yourself from activities at this time.
Parents should continue to monitor their child’s health and the health of their families for COVID-19 symptoms. Children with COVID-19 generally have mild, cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported in some children.
Children with certain underlying medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions, or weak immune systems, might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Contact your child’s healthcare provider regarding any concerns.
People without symptoms do not need to seek care or be tested. Those who become ill should contact their healthcare provider. Their doctor, in consultation with public health officials, will determine appropriate care and whether testing is necessary.
If your child has been exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19, please report this to your school. This information will be kept confidential.
Schools continue to utilize Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations on Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, to reduce viral transmission and keep our children and school personnel healthy and safe. Parents and family members can assist this effort by promoting healthy behaviors and following these practices:
● Stay home from school or work if sick, even if symptoms are mild.
● Wear a face covering in areas where physical distancing is difficult to maintain.
● Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue (or sleeve), and then throw the tissue in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
● Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
● Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
● Clean and disinfect surfaces that are often touched.
● Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
● Take care of your health overall. Stay current on your vaccinations, including the flu vaccine, eat well, and exercise to help your body stay resilient.
The Virginia Department of Health provides information about COVID-19 and frequently asked questions (FAQ) from parents and concerned family members. The CDC offers tips to keep children healthy during this time. The
Virginia Department of Education’s produced COVID-19: A Parent Guide for School Age Children and provides additional considerations for students with disabilities, guidance for military families and social emotional
wellness for parents and caregivers.
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