CHS Positive Case & Transition to Remote Instruction 12/19

Dear Cranford community,

 

The purpose of this letter is to inform you that two additional individuals at Cranford High School have tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently self-isolating.  The District continues to work closely with public health officials in order to assure the health and safety of our community.    Please be advised that the District in partnership with the Township Health Office, has already communicated directly with any individuals who have been identified as a close contact and advised those families accordingly.  As per the NJ Department of Health, close contact is defined as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated. 

 

Please be further advised that parents/guardians of any student who have one or more classes with someone who tested positive for COVID-19  have already been notified.   

 

In addition, based on guidance from the Township Health Department, Cranford High School will transition to full remote learning, from Monday, December 21 through Wednesday, December 23. The Health Department based its decision for CHS to temporarily transition to full remote learning on the following: this is the 3rd case within the last 2 days at CHS, Union County cases are on the rise, and we are in a high zone according to the regional COVID-19 activity level matrix.  Our purpose in temporarily transitioning is to mitigate any reasonable possibility of spread within the school, which at the present time, we have no evidence of.   

 

In the meantime, the Township Health Department has verified that, currently, all other District schools should continue to operate on their current schedules.

 

Mr. Cantagallo will be reaching out to all Cranford High School families with more information in preparation for the transition.

 

I also recognize that many of you would like more detailed information about the case or contacts of the case. The information I am providing you here has been composed in consultation with and vetted by the Department of Health, and I am not in a position to comment further.  We are hopeful that the mitigation measures we have in place, such as universal masking, screening procedures, social distancing, enhanced cleaning procedures, and other precautions, will have their intended effect and reduce or minimize the risk of transmission in the school environment.  We encourage parents and students to continue following the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention promoted safeguards, such as:

 

• Staying home when you are sick;

• Washing hands often for at least 20 seconds;

• Covering coughs and sneezes and properly disposing of tissues;

• Limiting close contact with people who are sick and not sharing food, drinks and utensils;

• Practicing social distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart);

• Wearing a face covering while in school; and

• Continuing to monitor your health for symptoms

• Immediately notifying your child’s school if they have a positive COVID-19 test result
  
  

As always, we appreciate your support and cooperation.  Moving forward, you can assist us by remaining vigilant but sensible in your approach to dealing with this health concern.  Thank you for your ongoing patience and flexibility as we continue to make our way through this school year.  

 

Sincerely,

 

Scott Rubin

Wear a mask, Wash your hands, Watch your distance