Dear Port Jervis Learning Community:
We were informed this afternoon that one of our high school students tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19). The student last attended school on Thursday, September 24, 2020. The limited students and/or staff that were in direct or proximate contact with the positive case were contacted by our high school administration and staff. These individuals were instructed to quarantine for 14 days from the last date of contact. Additionally, the Department of Health informed us that contact tracers may contact those that had direct or proximate contact with this individual.
As a result of the cohort model coupled with the procedures and protocols in place in our school district, the number of individuals in contact with this student was limited, however, this provides a platform to stress the importance of being mindful of the symptoms of COVID-19, as well as things that can be done to limit the transmission of the virus. The Department of Health provided the following information to share with our learning community:
The most important things you can do:
- Make sure your child is wearing a mask.
- Make sure your child is washing their hands.
- Keep your child home if they are sick.
Call your primary care provider if you or your child has symptoms of COVID-19.
What is COVID-19?
A new coronavirus causes COVID-19, which is an illness that was discovered in 2019. Coronaviruses are a type of virus that are named for the crown-like spikes on their surface. There are many kinds of coronaviruses including some that cause respiratory illnesses, like the common cold. The specific symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 spreads mainly from having close contact with someone who has a COVID-19 infection. The virus is thought to spread by droplets from person to person when they speak, cough, or sneeze. Droplets travel less than 6 feet. When droplets from another person get in your mouth or nose, you can inhale them into your lungs. This virus can be spread by people without symptoms.
How can parents and guardians help prevent COVID-19 from spreading?
- If your child is sick, keep them home.
- Make sure members of your household wash their hands often using soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Make sure every member of your household covers their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow, and then washes their hands afterwards.
- Wear a mask in public when you cannot stay 6 feet apart from other people.
Thank you for understanding the fact that due to medical privacy laws, we are not able to release the name or names of the individuals with COVID-19. We will continue to communicate changes and updates with you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Orange County Department of Health at
845-291-2330.
Sincerely,
Mike Rydell