WRENTHAM — Superintendent Paul Zinni and the King Philip Regional School District wish to provide the latest information and updates as it pertains to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Today, the district was made aware that one King Philip Regional High School student and one King Philip Regional Middle School student have been notified by their local health departments of the need to self-quarantine after coming in close contact with individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19.
After discussing the situations with both the Wrentham Health Department and the Norfolk Health Department, the district has been advised that there should be no concern about possible exposure to other students and both schools will remain open during normal operating hours.
District officials want to make clear that just because a person is self-quarantining, it does not mean they have COVID-19 or will get COVID-19.
A “close contact,” per CDC, is a person that has been within six feet of a confirmed case for more than 15 minutes, or with direct contact with infectious secretions, while the individual was likely to be infectious.
Neither student is currently showing symptoms and neither has attended school this week. Both schools were sanitized and cleaned over the weekend and will continue to be cleaned regularly after-hours.
The district wishes to reiterate that it is in close communication with local public health officials in its three communities as well as the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and will continue to coordinate with them.
Trip Cancellations
Superintendent Zinni would like to notify the school community that the following upcoming field trips have been cancelled:
- DECA International Career Development Conference in Nashville, Tennessee
- UMass Amherst MinuteMUN Model UN Event in Amherst.
The cancellations come after Governor Charlie Baker declared a State of Emergency in Massachusetts yesterday and recommended that schools cancel international and out-of-state field trips.
“These are the only two out-of-district field trips that have been planned for the rest of the school year,” Superintendent Zinni said. “While we understand that students, parents and staff will be disappointed, student health and well-being remains the top priority and we are following the guidance of the Governor and state education officials.”
Continue to Stay Informed and Take Precautions
The district has been made aware this evening by local public health officials that the current guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is for school districts to cancel or postpone all large group events and activities.
In light of this new information, the district will be reviewing the upcoming events and activities in March and making a determination of what events may be postponed or cancelled and will make an announcement Thursday, March 12, after the proper arrangements have been made.
Health officials are encouraging residents to take the following precautions to prevent infectious diseases, such as the flu and COVID-19, from spreading:
- Wash hands frequently, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- When sick yourself, stay home to protect others and practice social distancing.
- Always cover your cough or sneeze.
If you feel you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you should contact your local health department.
For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.
Additional updates will be released if additional relevant information becomes available from the King Philip Regional School District or any of its three member communities.
###
Discover more from John Guilfoil Public Relations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.