2 Positive Cases OAS, 1 Positive Case HAS 12/10/21

Dear Cranford community,

The purpose of this letter is to inform you that an individual at OAS middle, an individual at OAS elementary, and an individual at HAS middle 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 contact tracing has already been completed for the individuals at OAS and it has been confirmed that there were no close contacts created at school. Please be further advised that the District has already communicated directly with any individual who has been identified as a close contact at HAS 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.   Exception: In the K–12 indoor classroom setting, the close contact definition excludes students who were within 3 to 6 feet of an infected student (laboratory-confirmed or a clinically compatible illness) where both the infected student and the exposed student(s) correctly and consistently wore well-fitting masks the entire time. 

 

In addition, parents/guardians of any individual who has one or more classes with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 have already been notified. 

 

I 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