March 20, 2020
Dear DCSD Staff and Community,
The Douglas County School District (DCSD) continues to stay in close contact with our partners at Tri-County Health Department (TCHD), and we sincerely thank them for all of their amazing work during this very difficult time. However, as the number of cases of COVID-19 continues to rise in Douglas County, across the state, and across the nation, it creates challenges for our local and state health departments. During the early days of this outbreak, Tri-County Health Department staff were able to notify our school district when there was a confirmed case of COVID-19 so that we could track those who may have been exposed. Now, due to the volume of community spread of COVID-19, we are not able to track the source of the exposure or identify those at greater risk due to exposure in our school district. We know that anyone could have easily been exposed anywhere in our community.
Tri-County Health has confirmed that there have been positive cases of COVID-19 in DCSD staff members and students, but we do not know exactly how many, or all of the schools that may have been exposed. This is one reason Governor Polis signed an executive order suspending in-person learning in public and private schools across the state from March 23 to April 17, and why DCSD buildings are closed through April 17. We will be thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting each of our schools and administrative buildings prior to staff and students returning to school.
We encourage our staff and community members to continue to be vigilant in prevention measures. You can help slow the spread by practicing social distancing, including avoiding gathering of 10 or more people, by washing your hands often, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
According to the Tri-County Health Department website, case counts reflect only persons with a positive COVID-19 test. COVID-19 is likely widespread throughout our communities. People with COVID-19 can have mild symptoms – these individuals are not being tested but are still contagious.
We encourage everyone to monitor their own health. If you have any symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath you should stay home, stay away from others, and contact your healthcare provider.
Here is a link to the latest guide to COVID-19 symptoms.
Thank you for your understanding and for all you are doing to help DCSD provide remote learning opportunities to our students over the coming weeks.
Sincerely,
Thomas S. Tucker, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Douglas County School District
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