September 26, 2020
Dear Iroquois School District Faculty, Staff, and families,
On the morning of Saturday, September 26, 2020, we were informed by the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) of a positive COVID-19 case impacting Iroquois Elementary School. The Iroquois School District has communicated with the ECDOH and followed the health and safety plan in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The employee was last on site on the morning of Wednesday, September 23, 2020. After receiving this notice, we immediately followed guidance issued by the ECDOH and initiated mitigation efforts including a targeted cleaning within the elementary school and proactive disinfections of related areas.
In addition, contact tracing is underway and if it is determined that staff or students were in close contact with this individual, each will be contacted personally by the ECDOH or our Assistant Pandemic Coordinator, Karen Barringer. Close contact means that one was within six feet of the individual for at least 15 minutes. If you are identified as a close contact, faculty, staff, and/or students may be required to be tested and may also be required to self-quarantine at home for up to 14 days. The ECDOH will notify you if such action is necessary. The ECDOH will speak with the Iroquois School District Employee to conduct any further interviews required for community contact tracing and notify any individuals who may be required to self-quarantine.
As we continue to navigate this situation, we will work with staff and students across the district to reinforce COVD-related expectations and procedures, which includes at-home, self-screening before entering buildings, social distancing, use of appropriate face coverings, and proper handwashing. If you believe you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or you are experiencing symptoms from Group A or Group B of the screening tool, you should stay home and contact your doctor for guidance.
Group A- 1 or more symptoms
o Cough
o Shortness of breath
o Difficulty breathing
o New loss of taste or smell
Group B- 2 or more symptoms
o Fever of 100.4 or higher
o Sore throat
o Runny nose/congestion
o Chills
o Muscle pain, fatigue
o Nausea or vomiting
o Headache
o Diarrhea
Please notify the Iroquois School District Assistant Pandemic Coordinator immediately if:
o You or someone in your household is scheduled to be tested for COVID-19 and is experiencing symptoms
o You or someone in your household was tested for COVID-19 and is awaiting results.
o You or someone in your household has a positive result from a COVID-19 test
o You or someone in your household has been identified as a probable case by the Department of Health or a physician. *If this is the case, the Iroquois School District will coordinate with the Department of Health regarding a safe return to school.
Please contact the Assistant Pandemic Coordinator, Karen Barringer, with any COVID-19 related questions. She can be reached via email at kbarringer@iroquois.iu5.org and via phone at (814) 899-7643 x6109.
Thank you,
Shane Murray Jennifer Foutz
Superintendent Principal