24 Members Of Same Milford School Test Positive For COVID-19

Milford CT

03 January, 2022

8:37 PM

Description

Information via Milford Public Schools: January 3, 2022 Dear Parents and Guardians, As you are aware, Milford Public Schools has resumed in-person learning with strict protocols in place to limit the potential for exposure to COVID-19 within our school buildings. Precautions include the use of face masks by all students and staff, social distancing between desks, frequent opportunities for handwashing, cleaning and disinfection, and many other protocols that are being followed consistent with Federal, State, and local guidelines. Milford Public Schools was notified that twenty-four (24) members of the Orange Avenue Elementary School community have tested positive for COVID-19. The individuals were last in the school building on December 22, 2021. The individuals have been instructed to stay home until the appropriate isolation period has been completed and return to school requirements have been met. Based on consultation with the Milford Health Department and our School Medical Advisor Dr. Andrew Carlson, Orange Avenue Elementary School will remain open at this time. As with any other day, students who are not ill and have been assessed at home using the COVID-19 Daily Self-Checklist can continue to attend school. In keeping with our protocols, Milford Public School staff have ensured appropriate cleaning and disinfection measures have been taken. Individuals who may have been in close contact with the positive case(s) have been notified directly. Those who may have potentially been exposed have been asked to reach out to their health care provider to obtain testing and follow Screen & Stay procedures if eligible or self-quarantine for at least 10 days if not eligible for Screen & Stay initiative. Click here for information on Milford's contact-tracing program. Please be sure that Orange Avenue Elementary School has your correct phone number on file. To assist in contact tracing efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, please answer any calls or texts from the following numbers:• "City of Milford Health Department" (203-783-3200)• CT COVID TRACE (855-670-0299)• Email messages from [email protected]• Orange Avenue Elementary School or School Nurse(203-783-3537/203-301-5619) While Connecticut has been a model for other states in mitigating the spread of COVID-19, we know that we continue to be amid a global pandemic. As we carefully move forward to provide the best learning environment possible while keeping the health and safety of our students and staff at the forefront, we ask that you take the following steps to protect yourself and your family against COVID-19:• If you or your child(ren) are sick or have been diagnosed with COVID-19, stay home!• If you or your child(ren) have not been vaccinated and are currently eligible, get vaccinated to protectagainst COVID-19• Do not send any unvaccinated and/or symptomatic children to school if there is a member inthe household diagnosed with COVID-19. If you are waiting for COVID-19 test results for ahousehold member, make sure the household member isolates completely until test resultsare received. Call your school nurse for further guidance and return to school guidelines.• Make sure you and your family wear face masks or cloth face coverings when leaving your home.• Practice social distancing, staying at least 6 feet from people who are not part of your household.• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.• Clean all "high-touch" surfaces often (i.e. counters, doorknobs, toilets, phones, etc.).• If you or someone in your home is sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected, follow theadditional steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading:o Stay home except to get necessary medical care. Call ahead before visiting your doctor or ahealth care facility.o Separate yourself from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.o Cover your coughs & sneezes. Keep tissues and a trash bag within reach of the sick person.o Avoid sharing personal household items.o Monitor your symptoms. If your condition is worsening (i.e. difficulty breathing), seek promptmedical attention. Notify the healthcare provider BEFORE arrival that you have, or are beingevaluated for, COVID-19. Milford Public Schools will continue to be in regular contact with the Milford Health Department to monitor this situation and take appropriate action. Should you have any questions, please contact us or the Milford Health Department at 203-783-3285. Sincerely, Anna Cutaia, Ed.D Superintendent of Schoolsand Deepa D. Joseph, MPH Superintendent Director of Health