Unit 40 Staff Member Tests Positive for COVID-19; School Will Be in Session Wednesday

An Effingham Unit 40 staff member has tested positive for COVID-19.

The staff member is believed to work at the Early Learning Center, as that building is identified in a letter sent Tuesday evening by Unit 40 Superintendent Mark Doan. The letter indicates that the ELC WILL be in session on Wednesday.

Here's the letter from Superintendent Doan:

September 1, 2020

Dear ELC Families and Staff:

This letter is to inform you that the District has received confirmation of a staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. Upon receiving this information the Effingham County Health Department was contacted. This staff member's work tasks did not lead them to have direct contact with students/staff. Due to health privacy laws, the identity of the individual will not be released. Please respect the family during this incredibly difficult time.

Efforts are being coordinated with the Effingham County Health Department to promptly identify and monitor individuals who have had recent contact with the COVID-19 positive individual to prevent further spread within our school and community. At this time no other individuals are to be quarantined. This situation underscores why it is so important to wear a mask and practice social distancing whenver possible.

The health and safety of Unit 40 students and staff is our highest priority, and we recognize the uncertainty and concern regarding the evolving coronavirus. The District will follow the guidance from the Effingham County Health Department, IDPH and Centers for Disease Control on best practices and procedures to protect everyone's health.

To prevent further spread of the disease, Early Learning Center is taking the following steps:

--conducting a deep clean and disinfection of the areas impacted by potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus

--supporting the Health Department in identifying staff members and students who may have had prolonged close contact with the COVID-19 case(s) and placed in quarantine for 14 days. Close contacts will also receive a separate notification from the Effingham County Health Department

--ongoing monitoring of students and staff for signs and symptoms of illness and evaluation of illness reports to promptly identify possible outbreaks

--ELC will be in session on Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Unit 40 will continue to enforce safe practices to prevent, promptly identify, and respond to potential COVID cases, as follows:

--students and staff who are ill with COVID-like symptoms will promptly be placed in a separate supervised area away from others until they can be sent home

--students are required to wear face coverings at all times, as previously directed and per school policy

--staff are required to wear face coverings at all times while in contact with children and other staff in the facility

--The District will continue sanitizing high-touch surfaces including door handles, stair rails, sink faucets, and the like

--staff are stressing to students the importance of face coverings, social distancing, and proper handwashing

Also:

--students are discouraged from sharing personal items, like water bottles

--students are learning new ways to greet each other without touching

--students are reminded to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, and to cover coughs and sneezes

--students will be taught to wash their hands frequently and properly, following CDC guidelines on handwashing

--as we receive more information from the Department of Public Health and other entities, we will implement additional recommendations and guidelines

As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms. Sick persons should contact their health care provider to determine if testing is needed.

Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately. If your child has had close contact with a known case of COVID-19, keep the child at home and notify your primary healthcare provider, school/daycare, and Effingham County Health Department.

The District is committed to providing your child and our staff with a safe and healthy environment. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing cooperation with our COVID prevention policies and procedures as we work to help protect your children, your families, and our staff and their families. For any questions or concerns, please contact your student's school or Unit 40. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mark E. Doan, Superintendent

Effingham Unit #40