12 November 2020
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
This letter is to inform you that an individual at T. Baldwin Demarest Elementary School has tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Upon conclusion of our contact tracing process, all close contacts were identified and notified. Those identified have been instructed to quarantine for a specified period of time. If you have not been notified, then your child has not been determined to be a close contact.
After discussion with the local health department, it has been determined that it is not necessary to make any broad changes to our school routines. Other than those notified to quarantine, in-person instruction is permitted to continue.
The District continues to coordinate closely with public health officials and follows the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), as well as from the state and local health departments, in order to assure the health and safety of our school community. We clean and disinfect our schools daily and take precautions to prevent the introduction and spread of viruses and other germs by cleaning frequently-touched surfaces daily.
We understand the level of concern regarding COVID-19. We encourage parents/guardians and students to continue to follow the CDC-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;
- Wearing a face covering while in school; and
- Continuing to monitor your health for symptoms.
Below are some resources that might be helpful.
- NJDOH COVID-19 Information for Communities and the General Public
- Get the Facts about Coronavirus
- Symptoms of COVID-19
- Testing
- How to Protect Yourself
- What to Do if You Are Sick
You can assist us by remaining vigilant and sensible in your approach to dealing with this health concern. Should you have any questions about this situation, please feel free to contact our school nurses, Ms. Lehmann (TBD) at 201-664-7176 ext. 1104 or Ms. McCarthy (CDW) at 201-664-1475 ext. 2103.
As always, we appreciate your support and cooperation in helping to keep our school community healthy.
Respectfully,
Danielle M. Da Giau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Old Tappan Public School District