JAMESTOWN — A student who last attended Washington Middle School on Monday, has been diagnosed with the COVID19 virus, according to a press release from the Jamestown Public Schools.
“The district would like Washington Middle School parents to know that a confirmed case DOES NOT mean that you or your child has been exposed to the individual who has tested positive. The Chautauqua County Department of Health has started contact tracing to determine who may have
been in close or proximate contact with the student that tested positive.,’ The district said.
“The Chautauqua County Department of Health will initiate direct communication with parents and staff who have been identified as a close contact with the positive case as to the next steps they should take. Any individual who has been identified as a close contact must quarantine for 14 days.”
Superintendent Kevin Whitaker said the district remains focused on safety for its teachers, students and staff.
“The health and safety of our students and staff are our number one priority. I am pleased with the district’s screening process, which worked exactly as designed. As part of our district plan, the student was immediately isolated from contact with anyone at the school and has not been in the
building since the identification. A special thank you to our staff screeners who followed the proper protocols to ensure the safety of our school community,” said Whitaker.
The district is following all guidelines from the Chautauqua County Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). As there is no in-person school today or Monday for the Columbus Day holiday, the district has taken immediate steps to ensure areas identified as having been occupied by the individual are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. No one will occupy an area previously occupied unless sanitized in accordance with applicable CDC and DOH guidelines. The DOH will make the district aware of any individuals in the schools who must quarantine, and the
length of the quarantine, prior to Tuesday to ensure the health and safety of the school community.
The District will comply with applicable privacy laws and rules including all HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability And Accounting Act) and FERPA (Family Educational Rights Privacy Act) rules and guidelines regarding information given to the Chautauqua County Department of Health
or other necessary parties.
If someone’s child has any symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell, significant diarrhea, sore throat or a fever greater than 100 F or 37.8 C) please contact the care provider and notify the school health office. All students, parents, guardians, and staff should
continue to monitor their health for symptoms of COVID-19.
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