Earlier today, we informed TMS families of a positive COVID case at TMS. The last day the staff member was in school was Thursday, November 12 and we have started our contact tracing process to determine any in-school exposures. TMS has a pre-planned Full Remote Learning day for all students on Monday, November 16, in which the building will be closed. No students or staff will be allowed in the building until TMS is reopened on Tuesday, November 17, 2020. The need for additional closure dates will be evaluated during the contact tracing process. ALL OTHER HVRSD SCHOOLS WILL REMAIN OPEN (*CHS also has a pre-planned full remote day).
This closure will provide ample time for our staff to deep clean the building and the Department of Health to conduct contact tracing. Please note, as per the new CDC guidelines for close contact, contact tracing has changed and may take additional time to complete. Exposure is now defined as within 6 feet for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more in 24 hours. If your child has been exposed you will be contacted by the Department of Health as soon as possible.
Cleaning and disinfecting of all exposed areas will be completed in the next 24 hours. The district is also taking precautions to prevent the introduction and spread of viruses and other germs and is cleaning frequently-touched surfaces daily. The status of this situation is fluid, and we are monitoring it closely. Please monitor your own symptoms and follow the guidelines below.
We understand the level of concern regarding COVID-19. We encourage everyone to continue following the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention promoted safeguards, such as:
• Staying home when you are sick;
• Washing hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds;
• Covering coughs and sneezes and properly disposing of tissues;
• Limiting close contact with people who are sick and not sharing food, drinks and utensils;
• Practicing social distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart);
• Wearing a face covering while in school; and
• Continuing to monitor your health for symptoms.
We appreciate your support and cooperation. You can assist us by remaining vigilant but sensible in your approach to dealing with this health concern. Should you have any questions about this situation, please feel free to contact our local Department of Health at 908-359-8211 x235 (Pennington and Hopewell Boroughs) or 609-737-0120 (Hopewell Township).
Below are some resources that might be helpful.
RESOURCES with updated links
a. NJDOH COVID-19 Information for Communities and the General Public: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/covid2019_community.shtml
b. Get the Facts about Coronavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
c. Symptoms of COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
d. Testing: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/index.html
e. How to Protect Yourself: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
f. What to Do if You Are Sick: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/index.html