Dear Port Jervis Learning Community,
We have received confirmation that two employees of the Port Jervis City School District have tested positive for COVID-19. One employee is assigned to Hamilton Bicentennial Elementary School and one is assigned to Anna S. Kuhl Elementary School.
The school district collaborated with the Orange County Department of Health to complete contact tracing and all students and staff members that were in direct or proximate contact with the individuals that tested positive were contacted by school and/or health officials directing them to quarantine for fourteen days from the date of contact.
The Orange County Department of Health has provided the following reminders specific to COVID-19:
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 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.
We are working with the Health Department to keep our community safe.
- We continue to follow the Health Department’s guidance for childcare.
- We cleaned and disinfected the school buildings per the New York State Department of Health guidance.
- Employees and sick children will not return to work until they are healthy and cleared by a healthcare provider.
Thank you for understanding that, due to medical privacy laws, we are not able to release the names of the individuals with COVID-19. We will continue to communicate changes and updates with you. With your participation, we believe we can create a safe and fun experience for your children.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Orange County Department of Health at
845-291-2330.
Sincerely,
Mike Rydell
Superintendent of Schools
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