Southern Seven Head Start reports that it has temporarily closed two classrooms in its Metropolis Head Start Early Learning Center following two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the building. At this time, classes are expected to resume on September 20 pending further investigation.
According to Head Start officials, the cases were reported on September 6. Families have been notified. More information will be shared with families as it becomes available. This follows a separate report by the Head Start site on August 30, when one of its classrooms was closed due to a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the building. Students in that classroom are scheduled to return on September 13.
The decision for temporary closure of the classrooms occurred after consultation with Southern Seven Health Department (S7HD) during its investigation of the case. According to Head Start officials, the closure is a precautionary measure to provide time for cleaning and disinfecting of the classrooms.
Southern Seven Health Department has already begun contact tracing to identify those who may have been exposed to the coronavirus. Contact tracing helps identify those who may be at risk after someone tests positive. This is done to let people know what symptoms to watch for, reduces their exposures to others and slows the spread of COVID-19. Should you be identified by S7HD as a possible contact, your cooperation is appreciated. Anyone with questions regarding possible exposure can call S7HD at 618-634-2297.
The Health Department reports that COVID-19 continues being spread by community transmission at alarming rates within the Southern 7 region. This virus can be spread up to 48 hours before a person has symptoms. Anyone who is unvaccinated and has been at gatherings where little to no safety measures were in place is at risk of contracting COVID-19.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. If you begin to show symptoms, isolate immediately and contact your healthcare provider about getting tested for COVID-19. For more information, visit https://www.southern7.org/coronavirus-covid-19.html
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