RCS Student Tests Positive For COVID-19, District Moving To Remote Learning

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RANDOLPH – A student at Randolph Central School has tested positive for COVID-19, the first case connected to the district since the outbreak began earlier this year.

In a letter to the school community on Friday, District Superintendent of Schools Kaine Kelly says because the elementary school student had direct contact with others in the building, the district is pivoting to virtual instruction on Monday and Tuesday of next week.

The school is scheduled to return to in-person learning on Monday, November 30 following the Thanksgiving break.





Kelly says while the school buildings are closed the custodial staff will perform a deep cleaning.

Additionally, the health department will be able to finish contact tracing while learning is remote in an effort to stop potential further spread of the virus.

The school is scheudled to return to in-person leanring on Monday, November 30.





















“If you or your child are identified as having been potentially exposed, the Cattaraugus County Health Department or our administrative team will contact you to ask that you please stay home and monitor for symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, or a temperature higher than 100F, and practice social distancing for 14 days from your last contact,” said Kelly. “If you are not contacted by the health department, you do not need to stay home or exclude yourself from activities at this time.”

The Superintendent says the majority of direct contacts of the COVID cases have already been contacted by the school. However, parents should continue to monitor their child’s health and the health of their families for COVID-19 symptoms.

Children with COVID-19 generally have mild, cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported in some children. Children with certain underlying medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions, or weak immune systems, might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Kelly says people without symptoms do not need to seek care or be tested unless contacted by the health department and instructed to do so.









“Those who become ill should contact their healthcare provider. Their doctor, in consultation with public health officials, will determine appropriate care and whether testing is necessary,” furthered Kelly. “If your child has been exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19, please report this to the school immediately. This information will be kept confidential.”

Parents and family members can assist this effort by promoting healthy behaviors and following these

Those with further questions or concerns are asked to reach out to their primary physician, school nurse, our district offices at (716) 358-7005.

In the latest update to the public, the Cattaraugus County Health Department reported 35 new cases of the virus on Thursday.

Additionally, the county’s infection rate rose to 4.8 percent, up from 4.2 percent the day before. County leaders are worried that if the infection rate remains above 3.5 percent for the next seven days part of the county could fall under the state’s yellow zone of COVID-19 cluster containment.

 

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