November 28, 2021
Dear Our Lady
Queen of Martyrs School Community:
The health and safety of students and staff of our school is our top priority. We are committed to
ensuring that our school community has the information they need on COVID-19
(coronavirus) as we continue to navigate this public health emergency together.
Today we are writing to inform you that a member of our school community
self-reported a positive test result for COVID-19. We are handling this
situation with the utmost seriousness. This
individual was on site while potentially infectious on November 24th, 2021. Any individuals considered to be “close contacts” of
the person with COVID-19 have already been informed separately that they have
been identified as close contacts and will need to quarantine.
Since it would be a violation of privacy laws to provide information
about specific individuals and their circumstances, we will provide information
on school operations as well as coronavirus related guidance from government
agencies. The CDC advises that any symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus) appear
between 2 and 14 days from the date of exposure. At this time, it is important to listen to facts and not respond to
fear, rumor, innuendo, or social media. I would encourage you to visit the CDC
website www.CDC.gov and the NYS Department of Health https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home
for additional factual information and resources.
I assure you
that we are taking all appropriate action and following rigorous protocols
developed by the CDC and health authorities. We contract with qualified,
licensed cleaning professionals who regularly conduct deep cleaning and
sanitization following CDC Guidelines using approved disinfectants.
While we have all been diligent in
fighting the spread of the virus, COVID-19 is still active in our communities. Here
are the critical steps you can take to continue to protect yourself, our school
community, and our community at large:
●
Get Vaccinated! We strongly
encourage you and anyone eligible to get vaccinated. You may have seen Pope Francis’s recent Ad Council video.
Vaccinations are one of the many ways to keep everyone safe and our schools
open for in-person instruction. This action can save your life and that of
another! Click here for a vaccine appointment or walk into any vaccine
center.
●
Monitor your and your child’s health and stay home when sick except
for getting essential medical care (including COVID-19 testing) and other
essential needs.
● Practice social/physical
distancing.
● Wear a face covering:
Protect those around you. Wearing a face covering helps reduce the spread of
COVID-19, especially if you are sick and don’t have symptoms. For more
information about face coverings, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.
● Practice healthy hand
hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer if soap and water are not available; clean frequently touched
surfaces regularly; avoid touching your face with unwashed hands; and cover
your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hands.
● Get tested. For information about testing,
call your child’s medical provider or visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you.
Testing is free at many sites and available regardless of immigration status.
For information about types of tests please visit https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/coronavirus-testing-basics
● NYS Department of Health
Coronavirus Hotline: 1-888-364-3065
We will continue to deliver as much information as
possible in a timely manner and as necessary proactively update you on any
measures we are taking as we closely follow directions from public
health experts.
During times like this, the safety and well-being of
our Catholic schools’ families and staff, as well as those in the broader
community around us, are our primary concern. Please continue to ask the
intercession of Our Lady, to protect, bring healing, and watch over the staff
and children of our school, parish and community.
Sincerely,
Andrew G. Woods, principal
