November 13, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians and Community Members:
We continue to experience an increase in reported COVID (+) cases. Today the District was notified that a member of the Walsh Intermediate School community has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total number of COVID (+) cases to 16. The affected person was last in school on October 30, 2020. This person has been instructed to remain on home isolation for 10 days. Anyone who would be considered a “close contact” of this person has already been contacted by school officials and/or public health officials and provided with instructions on the appropriate steps to take.
In collaboration with the East Shore Health Department, the District has determined that there is no reason to close school or cancel in-person classes due to the sufficiency of the District’s current cleaning protocols and mitigation measures. We ask that parents/guardians, students, and staff continue to follow CDC guidance for healthy practices, to monitor their health, and to stay home and contact their medical provider should they experience any of the symptoms below.
- Fever (100.4° Fahrenheit or higher)
- Chills or shaking chills
- Uncontrolled new cough (not due to other known cause, such as chronic cough)
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- New loss of taste or smell
- For additional information on COVID-19 symptoms, please see the CDC website at the address below: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
As anticipated with the onset of cooler weather, our area’s COVID-19 positivity rate is increasing. Our school district will continue to monitor the evolving crisis and appreciates your partnership in making choices that help to keep our staff, students, and community safe.
Sincerely,
Hamlet M. Hernandez
Superintendent of Schools