Featured image of article: Important Information Regarding COVID-19: ConVal High School, HES, PES, SMS, and TES

Important Information Regarding COVID-19: ConVal High School, HES, PES, SMS, and TES

September 27, 2021

Good Afternoon ConVal Community,

We were informed today of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 at ConVal High School (1),  Hancock Elementary School (2), Peterborough Elementary School (1),  South Meadow School (2), and Temple Elementary  School (1). 

We are actively working with and following guidelines from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).   Those who have been identified as a close contact have been notified.  

The staff and students continue to work within the mitigation strategies of our Reopening and Recovery Plan, but we need your help. If your student(s) has symptoms of COVID 19 be sure to keep them at home until they are no longer symptomatic.  If your student is symptomatic, contact your child’s primary care physician. 

Symptomatic students or staff can be allowed to return to school when one of the following two conditions is met: 

  1. Person receives an FDA-approved COVID-19 test that is negative, AND the person’s symptoms are improving and they are fever-free for at least 24 hours off any fever-reducing medications. ​ Approved tests include: 
    • A PCR-based molecular test  or an
    • Antigen testing conducted within an appropriate number of days since symptom onset

​​​​​​​2. Person has met CDC criteria for ending home isolation (i.e., if a person is not tested, they are assumed to be COVID-19 positive). 

Our school is working closely with the New Hampshire (NH) Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to follow the guidance they have provided for this situation and will provide updates should their recommendations change.  The current recommendation from NH Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS) for people who may be exposed to COVID-19 in the school setting is to:  monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and wear a mask in indoor public settings for 14 days following the last day of exposure.  Additionally, consider testing 3-5 days following the last day of exposure. If your child develops symptoms please isolate them at home and seek testing for COVID-19. 

Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, the NH DHHS is recommending the following precautions to prevent the spread of the disease:

  • Get vaccinated, for those who are eligible. 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid high risk locations, especially ones that are indoors and crowded, and where people are unable to maintain physical distance from others. 
  • If there is substantial community transmission in your area, wear a cloth face covering that covers your mouth and nose to protect others when in public areas. 
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. 
  • Stay home and seek testing if you have a fever or are not feeling well.

To learn more about COVID-19, please check these resources:  

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services: https://www.covid19.nh.gov/welcome  

United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html 

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Best,

Kimberly