LEXINGTON — Lexington Local Schools has reported two positive COVID-19 tests in the last seven days, according to the district’s website.
On Sept. 24, the district reported that a 5th grade Eastern Elementary student tested positive for the virus. A second letter was posted Wednesday stating that a bus garage staff member had tested positive.
In both letters, superintendent Jeremy Secrist stated the district is working closely with Richland Public Health to ensure property contact tracing. Families will be notified if their child was identified as a “close contact” and thus is required to quarantine.
“Being identified as a close contact means that your child was within six feet of a COVID-19 positive individual for 15 minutes or more, or had direct physical contact, such as a hug or team huddle,” Secrist explained. “If you are not notified by Richland Public Health, your child was not identified as a close contact and therefore does not need to quarantine.”
Secrist also recommended that all families monitor their children for symptoms daily. Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runy nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Governor Mike DeWine released an order effective Sept. 8 requiring parents or guardians whose child tests positive to notify their school within 24 hours of receiving a positive test result or clinical diagnosis.Â
The order also requires schools to notify other parents and guardians about that case in writing within 24 hours of receiving the notification. In addition, schools are required to alert their local health department during that timeframe.
The Ohio Department of Health publishes newly reported and cumulative cases for every school or school district weekly on Thursdays.Â
“Please remember that if a school has positive cases among their students or staff, it does not mean the school did anything wrong,” DeWine said in a news release. “Schools cannot control spread in the community, so it is important to practice safety measures not only in the classroom but also when you’re out in the community.”
To see the current COVID-19 dashboard for schools, click here.
