Effingham Community Schools Board of Education

October 16, 2020

   The information below represents the current numbers of students/staff quarantined and/or isolated from Unit #40 schools due to COVID-19.  

Number of total staff: 365 Number of total students:  2,362

Number of staff quarantined: 0 Number of students quarantined:  24

Number of staff isolated (+):  3 Number of students isolated (+):    3

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.

                                            .............................................
October 15, 2020

Dear Unit #40 Families and Staff:

     Unit #40 has been notified of three positive COVID-19 tests at EHS.  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 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:

• All Unit #40 schools will remain open and in session. 

• 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.

     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.

     Unit #40 is committed to providing our students and 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,