City of Framingham Learns That Student Was Not Tested for Coronavirus

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Framingham – On March 11, the City of Framingham announced that it was made aware that a parent of a Potter Road Elementary School student tested presumptively positive for COVID-19.

The student, who we will call Child A, began a quarantine starting that day. Child A was transported from the school that same day to the Emergency Room at the Framingham Union Hospital to be evaluated and potentially tested for COVID-19.

On Friday, March 13, another member of that household also tested presumptively positive for COVID-19

The City has been waiting on test results for Child A, but learned today, March 17, that because the child was not exhibiting symptoms, the child was not tested on March 11.

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Child A remains symptom-free and continues to be under quarantine at home, said the City of Framingham in a press release.

Child A attends classes with a number of students at Potter Road School and rides a school bus with a small group of students from Potter Road School and Hemenway Elementary School, according to the City.

Last week, the School Department informed all parents of those children who attend classes and ride the bus with Child A, as well as teachers, the bus driver, and the school nurse that they were potentially exposed to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Out of an abundance of caution, those identified should remain quarantined, and as long as they are symptom-free, they can consider themselves out of the quarantine as of March 26, said the City of Framingham in a press release

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Once out of quarantine, like everyone, they should
 Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
 Practice social distancing. Examples of social distancing include avoiding large events and shaking hands or hugging, remaining at least six feet away from others and especially anyone who is coughing or sneezing, and allowing employees to work from home, and using teleconference instead of in-person meeting.
 Wash hands often, using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
 If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer until soap and water are available.
 Cough/sneeze into a tissue. Dispose of used tissues immediately into a trash can and wash hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough/sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not your hands.

 Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Those in quarantine and/or their parents or caretakers should continue to monitor their symptoms and have been instructed to call healthcare providers if they develop symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 (for example fever, cough, and shortness of breath).

As a reminder, Governor Baker announced that all K-12 schools in Massachusetts will remain closed
through April 7 to slow the spread of the virus.
If you have concerns about COVID-19, you should use the following to access information:
2-1-1: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has announced that Massachusetts 2-1-1 will
now provide real-time COVID-19 information, resources, and referrals in multiple languages.
 COVID-19 prevention, symptoms, and treatment
 Information about testing
 Guidance for people planning or returning from travel
Massachusetts 2-1-1 is open to callers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Operators fluent in Spanish are
available, and more than 150 other languages are supported through an interpreter services line that is
available 24/7.
Residents with questions should dial 2-1-1 from any landline or cellphone. Callers dialing 2-1-1 will hear
an automated menu of options. Callers press 2-6 for coronavirus. Residents can also reach 2-1-1
through a live chat option on the Massachusetts 2-1-1 website.
As always, the safety, health, and security of residents are the City’s top priority. We continue to work closely with relevant State and City departments to respond to this evolving situation.