COVID-19 and Influenza--images from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Beresford School District Parents,

As a District, we know that we are in the midst of allergy, cold, and Influenza season.  We are also concerned about the increase of positive COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in South Dakota.  As of November 6, 2020, our District has had 27 positive COVID-19 cases since the start of the 20-21 school year.

Following are two tables that summarize the positive COVID-19 cases in the Beresford School District.

Positive COVID-19 Student Cases, Staff Cases, and Total Cases

School

Positive

Student Cases

Positive

Staff Cases

Positive

Total Cases

Elementary School

3

9

12

Middle School

1

1

2

High School

9

4

13

District Total

13

14

27

 

Positive COVID-19 Active Student/Staff Cases, Total Cases, and Recovered Cases 

School

Active Cases

Total Cases

Recovered Cases

Elementary School

3

12

9

Middle School

1

2

1

High School

1

13

12

District Total

5

27

22


The purpose of this letter is to express our concern as a District regarding students attending school who are not feeling well and/or are displaying Influenza and/or COVID-19 related symptoms.  Influenza and COVID-19 symptoms are very similar as you can see from the bullet points.  If a student is not feeling well and/or is displaying Influenza and/or COVID-19 symptoms, please keep them home and consult your medical provider.

Please be watchful for symptoms of Influenza, including:

·      Fever

  • Sneezing

·      Malaise (discomfort)

  • Reduced sense of smell

·      Headache

  • Metallic taste in mouth

·      Runny nose

  • Chills

·      Postnasal drip

·      Body pain or muscle pain

  • Cough
  • Sore Throat

 

Please be watchful for symptoms of COVID-19, including:

·      Fever or chills

  • Headache

·      Cough

  • Loss of taste or smell

·      Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

  • Sore throat

·      Fatigue

  • Congestion or runny nose

·      Muscle or body aches

  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

If students display any Influenza and/or COVID-19 symptoms at school, they will be required to wear a facial covering/mask in school until picked up by a parent/guardian, or until the student receives a negative COVID-19 test result, or until a medical provider states in writing that the student is healthy and can be in school.

Parents will be notified when their child has Influenza and/or COVID-19 related symptoms during regular school hours.  Students are able to have a COVID-19 Rapid Test administered by our school district nurse and/or trained school official.  Parental consent is required prior to any Rapid Test.  Following is the link to our District’s Pre-Authorization COVID-19 Rapid Test Consent Form: https://5il.co/macp.

The Influenza and COVID-19 virus are spread from person-to-person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.  Spread is more likely to occur when people are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet).  

Following are precautions to avoid illness:

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

·         Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.

·         Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

·         Refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

·         Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.

·         Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.

·         Individuals at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness, such as older adults or people who have chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease, should take actions to reduce their risk of exposure. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html)

We have been very fortunate to maintain in-person learning throughout the first semester and we have been able to keep all of our activities ongoing as well.  Your adherence to the guidelines in this letter will help us to continue our collective efforts in maintaining in-person learning and activities for all students.

Thank you for your assistance and support in helping to keep all of our students and staff healthy.

Sincerely,

Brian Field, Superintendent

Beresford School District