COVID-19 Positive Case at GAMS

October 9, 2020

Dear Gidney Avenue Memorial School (GAMS) Families and Staff:

On 10/8/2020 we learned about an individual who tested positive for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at GAMS.  Children and/or staff that were in direct or proximate contact with the positive case were contacted by staff and/or Orange County Department of Health and were instructed to quarantine for 14 days from the last date of contact.  Based on the last date of contact, the last date of quarantine is 10/18/20. Contact tracing is ongoing at this time. Please answer the phone if the Health Department contacts you.  A contact tracer may be trying to reach you with important information. At this time, the school will remain open. 

We recommend that you take action to help limit the spread of COVID-19, even if your child is not experiencing symptoms. The most important things you can do:

• Make sure your child is wearing a mask
• Make sure your child is washing their hands
• Keep your child home if they are sick
• Call your primary care provider if you or your child has symptoms of COVID-19

What is COVID-19?

A new coronavirus, COVID-19, which is an illness that was discovered in 2019.  Coronaviruses are a type of virus that are named for the crown-like spikes on their surface.  There are many kinds of coronaviruses including some that cause respiratory illnesses, like the common cold.  The specific symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Unexplained Rash
• Pinkeye

How does COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 spreads mainly from having close contact with someone who has a COVID-19 infection.  The virus is thought to spread by droplets from person to person when they speak, cough, or sneeze.  Droplets travel less than 6 feet.  When droplets from another person get in your mouth or nose you can inhale into your lungs.  This virus can be spread by people without symptoms.

How can parents and guardians help prevent COVID-19 from spreading?

• If your child is sick, keep them home
• Make sure members of your household wash their hands often using soap and water for 20 seconds
• Make sure every member of your household cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow, and then washes their hands afterwards
• Wear a mask in public when you cannot stay 6 feet apart from other people

We are working with the Health Department to keep our community safe.

• We continue to follow the Health Department’s guidance
• We cleaned and disinfected GAMS per the New York State Department of Health guidance

Thank you for understanding that, due to medical privacy laws, we are not able to release the names of individuals with COVID-19.  We will continue to communicate changes and updates with you.  With your participation, we believe we can create a safe and fun experience for your children.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Orange County Department of Health at 845-291-2330 or the district at covidhelp@necsd.net or 845-563-3412.

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!