December 6th, 2020
Dear Springfield School District families and staff,
Last night, we learned about a positive case of COVID-19 within the Union Street School community. Since then the district has been working closely with the Vermont Department of Health and contact tracing has been conducted. Anyone who was in “close contact” with the person has been notified and asked to quarantine. Read more about what it means to quarantine here.
We recommend that you continue to take action to help limit the spread of COVID-19, even if you or your child is not experiencing symptoms.
We have been following all protocols. A classroom space in Union Street will be closed to do some additional cleaning. In addition to “close contacts” being notified, we have reached out to the families of the students impacted by the space closure. Please note that Union Street School will open tomorrow.
To see the district’s COVID response plan, look here.
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.
Learn more about what happens when there is a case in a school.
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
- Headache
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 a Strong and Healthy Start and for Childcare and Out-of-School-Time Care .
- We cleaned and disinfected central office per the Health Department guidance.
- Sick employees and children will not return to work until they are healthy.
- Learn about the Health Department’s response when someone tests positive for COVID-19.
- Learn more about getting tested in Vermont.
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 call the Vermont Department of Health at 802-863-7240 (option 8). More information is available at the Health Department website: www.healthvermont.gov/COVID-19. You also can contact my office at 802-885-5141.
Respectfully,
Dr. Zach McLaughlin
Superintendent of Schools