September 25, 2020
The information below represents the current numbers of students/staff quarantined and/or isolated from Unit #40 schools due to COVID-19. Total estimated enrollment for students is 2,322 and for staff is 365.
Number of staff quarantined: 3 Number of staff isolated (+): 2
Number of students quarantined: 43 Number of students isolated (+): 5
The decision on who is placed into isolation and/or quarantine and for how long are determined by the Effingham County Health Department.
Definitions:
Isolation: the individual has tested positive for COVID-19
Quarantined: the individual has been determined (by Health Dept.) to have had “close contact” with an individual with a positive COVID-19 finding.
All are urged to follow safety protocols to minimize the risk of COVID-19. These include wearing a face covering, social distance (6ft. away), and washing your hands frequently.
Please monitor yourself and your family members for COVID-19 symptoms. If you are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms please stay home and contact your health care provider for further assistance. For further information please call the Unit #40 office at (217) 540-1500.
Thank you.
Mark E. Doan
Supt. Unit #40 Schools
September 24, 2020
Dear Unit #40 Families and Staff:
Unit #40 was notified of two positive tests for COVID-19. One at Central and EJHS. Due to health privacy laws (HIPAA), the identity of the individual(s) will not be released.
The District has coordinated with the Effingham County Health Department to identify and individuals who have had recent contact with the COVID-19 positive individual to prevent further spread within our school and community. This situation underscores the importance to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
The District will continue to consult with the Effingham County Health Department and follow their guidance. The need for all to continue to follow safe practices to prevent, promptly identify, and respond to potential COVID cases continues. The following will occur:
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Central and EJHS will remain in open and in session moving forward.
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A deep cleaning and disinfecting of areas that may have been impacted by potential exposure.
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The District has supported the Health Department in identifying any staff/students who may have had prolonged close contact and placed in quarantine for 14 days. The Effingham County Health Department makes a separate notification to individuals if quarantine is needed.
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Ongoing monitoring of students and staff for signs and symptoms of illness and evaluation of illness reports to promptly identify possible outbreaks.
The District asks everyone to monitor their health and stay at home if symptoms develop. Sick persons should contact their health care provider to determine if testing is needed. Anyone developing symptoms should seek medical care immediately. If your child has had close contact with a known case of COVID-19, keep the child at home and notify your primary healthcare provider, school/daycare, and the Effingham County Health Department.
The District is committed to providing your child and our staff with a safe and healthy environment. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing cooperation with our COVID prevention policies and procedures as we work to help protect your children, your families, and our staff and their families. For any questions or concerns, please contact your student’s school or Unit #40. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mark E. Doan
Supt. Unit #40 Schools
September 21, 2020
Dear Unit #40 Families and Staff:
Unit #40 was notified that two staff members at ELC have tested positive for COVID-19. Due to health privacy laws (HIPPA), the identity of the individual(s) will not be released.
The District has been coordinating with the Effingham County Health Department to promptly identify and monitor individuals who have had recent contact with the COVID-19 positive individual to prevent further spread within our school and community. This situation underscores the importance to wear a mask and practice social distancing whenever possible.
The District will continue to consult with the Effingham County Health Department and follow their guidance. The need for all to continue to follow safe practices to prevent, promptly identify, and respond to potential COVID cases continues. After further discussions the following will occur:
-
ELC will remain in open and in session moving forward.
-
A deep cleaning and disinfecting of areas that may have been impacted by potential exposure.
-
The District has supported the Health Department in identifying any staff/students who may have had prolonged close contact and placed in quarantine for 14 days. The Effingham County Health Department makes a separate notification to individuals if quarantine is needed.
-
Ongoing monitoring of students and staff for signs and symptoms of illness and evaluation of illness reports to promptly identify possible outbreaks.
Everyone should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms. Sick persons should contact their health care provider to determine if testing is needed. Anyone who develops symptoms should seek medical care immediately. If your child has had close contact with a known case of COVID-19, keep the child at home and notify your primary healthcare provider, school/daycare, and Effingham County Health Department.
The District is committed to providing your child and our staff with a safe and healthy environment. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing cooperation with our COVID prevention policies and procedures as we work to help protect your children, your families, and our staff and their families. For any questions or concerns, please contact your student’s school or Unit #40. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mark E. Doan
Unit #40 Supt