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 January 6, 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
