I am writing to update you on the latest information regarding the Plainedge School District’s response to a situation involving the coronavirus (COVID-19).
First, let me report that there are no known cases of COVID-19 at this time in any of the schools or facilities of the Plainedge School District.
Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students and staff and the entire Plainedge community are of the utmost importance. As such, our response to certain situations will go above and beyond the recommendations of state and local agencies to ensure that safety is paramount.
I am writing to inform you that on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, a staff member in our Plainedge High School reported to us that they attended a class with a person outside of the school district whose child might have the coronavirus. While we cannot confirm that the child tested positive for COVID-19, we are told that the parent has no symptoms. Our staff member has no symptoms as well. Out of an abundance of caution, we have instructed our staff member to self-quarantine for a period of 14-days.
Please note that both the Nassau County and New York State Departments of Health advised us that no school closings are necessary as there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19. In instructing our staff member to stay out for the recommended 14-day period, we wanted to ensure that even though unlikely that this staff member was exposed that it is always better to err on the side of caution.
Please know that the district has been, and will continue to properly cleanse and sanitize our facilities, buses and school buildings, including classroom desks, handrails, doorknobs and other communal areas. Again, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends following precautionary practices that mirror basic flu prevention to minimize the spread of COVID-19. These include:
- Wash hands regularly for 20 seconds or more
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or use a tissue, not directly into your hands
- Avoid touching your face
- Avoid close contact with others who are sick or showing symptoms of illness
- Stay home if you are feeling sick and contact your physician's office
I wish to thank the staff, students, and our community for their continued support and understanding during these challenging times. We will continue to monitor and update the community as new information becomes available. As always, the health and safety of students, staff and families remain our top priority.
Sincerely,
Edward A. Salina, Jr., Ed.D.,
Superintendent