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We are writing to share that Lewistown Elementary School has met the criteria determined by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) for a Classroom/Cohort outbreak of COVID-19 defined below:
Cohort outbreak definition:
When a report of a confirmed case of COVID-19 is received, Lewistown Elementary School administrators conduct a case investigation to identify any close contacts of the individual and follow the Maryland State Department of Education and MDH Decision Aid: Exclusion and Return for Laboratory Confirmed COVID-19 Cases and Persons with COVID-19-like Illness in Schools, Child Care Programs, and Youth Camps to isolate and quarantine the appropriate individuals.
We collaborate with our FCPS Health Services Specialist and the Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) for reporting and contact tracing of each case. During contact tracing, it was determined that 3 individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 and work in close enough proximity to be considered a cohort. This information was reported to MDH who has determined these cases to meet the criteria of an outbreak of COVID-19.
During our case investigations, any close contacts of the individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 and do not meet the MDH criteria to avoid quarantine were contacted directly and advised to quarantine at home, monitor their health, and to contact their healthcare provider for any health concerns
While we believe the risk of exposure to others to be low, we are sharing this information out of an abundance of caution and to be transparent with our valued Lewistown Elementary School Community. The FCPS Health Specialist in collaboration with the FCHD COVID-19 School Liaison will be reporting COVID-19 case information to MDH every day until the outbreak is determined to be cleared.
Lewistown Elementary will continue to provide in-person instruction. Lewistown Elementary School staff follow health and safety protocols including mitigating strategies during this pandemic. We are following guidance for ventilation, use of face coverings, handwashing, and sanitizing and disinfecting all work spaces. The health and safety of our community is our highest priority.
Belinda Fockler
Principal
Lewistown Elementary School