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In cooperation with the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD), we are sending this health information letter to inform you that multiple cases of COVID-19 have been identified at POE MIDDLE SCHOOL. In an abundance of caution, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will be temporarily transitioning all affected classroom cohorts to distance learning as the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) completes contact tracing and investigation. Additionally, FCPS will be implementing all cleaning and disinfecting protocols as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FCHD. Our school remains open to staff and all other in-person cohorts at this time.
FCPS will be working with the FCHD to determine any exposure to students or staff while at school. Following further contact investigation and tracing, specific cases of concern will be addressed directly by the FCHD. FCHD will work to identify close contacts of the COVID positive individual and give them the appropriate public health guidance. If you do not receive a call from the Health Department, you are not considered exposed to a case.
FCPS will provide further communication to you upon the completion of the FCHD contact tracing and investigation and will identify a date that your child will be able to return safely to in-person learning. While this transition may be effective for 14 days, based on results of contact tracing, students may be able resume in-person instruction prior to that time.
Parents should continue to monitor their child’s health and the health of their families for COVID-19 symptoms. Children with COVID-19 generally have mild, cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported in some children.
Children with certain underlying medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions, or weak immune systems, might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Contact your child's healthcare provider regarding any concerns.
You may be contacted by the Health Department. If you or your child(ren) have been exposed to a known case, recommendations will be provided. People without symptoms do not need to seek care or be tested. Those who become ill should contact their healthcare provider. Their doctor, in consultation with public health officials, will determine appropriate care and whether testing is necessary.
If your child has been exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19, please report this to your school. This information will be kept confidential and specific guidance will be provided by the Health Department.
Given the continued local spread of COVID-19, the Health Department recommends that you and your family members take the following steps to protect yourselves and others:
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Limit your risk of exposure to COVID-19 by staying home whenever you can.
- Wear a face covering to prevent the spread of this virus if you do have to leave your home.
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Practice social distancing. By staying 6 feet away or more from others, the virus will not spread through coughs and sneezes.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Teach your children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers may be used.
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Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw tissues in the trash after use. If tissues are not available, cover coughs and sneezes with your upper sleeve
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Monitor your child for signs of respiratory illness (fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath).
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Do not send any child experiencing respiratory symptoms to school. If your child comes to school with the symptoms described above, he or she will be sent home. Your child will require a note from their healthcare provider with a diagnosis before returning to school. Depending on your child’s diagnosis, you may be required to keep your child home and away from others until the child has been symptom free and without fever for at least 24 hours without the use of medication (i.e. he or she should not attend school, school functions, sporting or extracurricular activities, or leave the home except to seek medical care).
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Clean and disinfect surfaces that are often touched at home.
- Take care of your health overall. Stay current on your vaccinations, including the flu vaccine, eat well, and exercise to help your body stay resilient.
We encourage you to put this information into practice to help your child stay healthy and to prevent others from getting sick. If you have questions regarding this information, please contact your health care provider or the School Public Health Nurse, Salima Anari at 703-388-1355 or
sansari@fcps.edu
Sincerely,
Jason Pannutti, Principal
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