COVID-19 UPDATE 11-30-20

November 30, 2020 Saint Joseph Academy families, We are writing to inform you that Saint Joseph Academy (SJA) has been notified that a staff member tested positive for COVID-19 over the Thanksgiving holiday. COVID-19, also known as “Coronavirus”, is an infectious disease spread from person to person, and people typically become infected by coming close contact (within 6 ft. for a prolonged time without a face-covering) with a person with COVID-19.

SJA has implemented numerous protocols to minimize students’ exposure in a case like this. In our efforts to stop the possible spread, those who were in close contact with the person who tested positive will be identified and contacted by the school. Again, close contact is defined as being within 6 ft., for a prolonged time (15 minutes or more) without a face-covering. Those who have been identified by being in close contact were contacted and provided further direction as needed. If you are not contacted nor are informed about the need to quarantine, then your child was not identified as a close contact. The following should stay home until they have met the protocols outlined in SJA’s Return to School Plan found on the SJA website under the “Return to School Guidelines” found in the “About” section of the website.

- Children and staff with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, - Children and staff who test positive for COVID-19, but do not have symptoms, and - Household members and others who have been in prolonged close contact without a face-covering If your child begins experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, consult with a health care provider. Anyone who experiences any of the symptoms of COVID-19 (listed below) should quarantine and seek medical attention.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include: - Fever of 100.4 or higher - Shortness of Breath - Cough - Fatigue - Headache - Loss of taste or smell - Sore Throat - Unexplained body aches SJA has ensured that each classroom, office, and common space has been deeply disinfected and cleaned with the most powerful equipment and products available to our janitorial company to ensure a safe learning environment for our students and faculty/staff. During the school day, cleaning and disinfecting will continue as scheduled. We ask for your student’s cooperation with being vigilant with social distancing, wearing face-coverings, and washing hands frequently.

If your child tests positive for COVID-19, please notify SJA COVID-19 Coordinator, Lark Starkey at lstarkey@sja.us or (956) 243-5732 immediately. Know that the health and safety of our students and faculty/staff is a top priority. If you have any questions or need more information on this matter, please contact us. SJA is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide additional information as needed. We pray for a speedy and full recovery for our SJA staff member.

Blessings, SJA Administration