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Dear Watertown Public Schools Families:

On 11/8/20 the WATERTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT was notified that a member of our school community (Swift Middle School) has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The affected individual has been instructed to remain in home isolation until deemed recovered by the Health Department [we are not allowed to say any more about the affected person].

Based on contact tracing being conducted by the Torrington Area Health District in conjunction with school administration, anyone who is considered a "close contact" with the affected individual has been or will be contacted by school officials today and provided with instructions on the appropriate steps to take. Should any of the impacted “close contacts” require further information, the Torrington Area Health District is available for consultation. [860-489-0436] 

  • ALL SCHOOLS WILL REMAIN OPEN*** 

Of course, thorough cleaning is taking place in all school buildings.

We will keep you posted should there be any further developments.

Please note:

COVID-19 is spread mainly via person-to-person contact through contaminated air droplets from coughing and sneezing by an infected person. As with controlling the spread of other viruses, we urge everyone to discuss the following preventive measures with your children and family members: 

·         Wash your hands frequently, but especially after using the restroom and before preparing or consuming food. Using soap and hot water, wash for about 20 seconds. Be sure to also wash your fingertips. When soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

·         Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands or in the air. Always try to cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough/sneeze inside the elbow of your arm.

·         As much as you can, avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

·         Wear a face covering (mask) whenever there is a likelihood that you or your family members will be in the presence of others.

·         Maintain social distancing (at least 6 feet) between yourself and others when outside of your home.

Below is the list of COVID-19 symptoms for which everyone should monitor in their family members:

·         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:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

Staff and students exhibiting any of the above symptoms, or feeling ill, should call their medical provider to report their symptoms and ask about testing prior to seeking in-person care at a clinic, physician’s office, or hospital.

For more information on what to do if you or a family member has possible symptoms, a diagnosis, or exposure to COVID-19, please see:

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/COVID-19/Addendum-5-Interim-Guidance-for-Responding-to-COVID-19-Scenarios-in-CT-School-Districts.pdf 

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

 Sincerely, 

John J. Ramos, Sr, Ed.D., Interim Superintendent