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FRAMINGHAM – Potter Road Elementary School has a parent who tested presumptive positive for the coronavirus, and thus the school will be dismissed early today.
Health Director Sam Wong, the Mayor and school leaders met this morning.
During that meeting, school leaders were made aware that a parent of one of our students has tested presumptively positive for COVID-19.
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The student will begin quarantine starting today, according to an email to city and school leaders.
Although the centers for Disease Control and Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommendations do not require us to dismiss early or close school for students who do not show symptoms but have parents who have tested presumptively positive for COVID-19, we are acting out of an abundance of caution to ensure that the school community’s health is not compromised, said an email from the Potter Road Principal Larry Wolpe to parents that just went out.
Potter Road will be closing today at 11:30 a.m. today.
The YMCA after school program is also closed this afternoon at Potter Road only.
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The school will be cleaned and sanitized today, as a precaution.
Yesterday, the Governor declared a state of emergency, after the number of cases in Massachusetts rose to 92.
Of the 92, cases, 91 are “presumed positive” and only one positive confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control.
Of the 92 cases, 70 are associated with a Biogen seminar in Boston.
Although the risk to Massachusetts residents of the coronavirus is low, the risk for influenza is currently high.
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Many of the things you do to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect you against other respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
- Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
Massachusetts still has more than 700 individuals in a 14-day self-quarantine.
Certain populations are more susceptible to the virus than others, including those with lung and heart diseases and diabetic individuals. Individuals with immune deficiencies are also susceptible.
It is important to keep in mind that far, far more individuals have contacted the flu than the coronavirus, but there is no vaccine for the coronavirus.
Massachusetts was experiencing a significantly higher than normal number of flu cases in 2020
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