Dear FVS Community,
I’m writing to share information about a possible case of COVID-19 in the FVS community and the School’s response. This case is separate from the case about which we communicated yesterday (11/1) and contact tracing indicates that the two are NOT related because the individuals did not interact with each other.
Today, one of our students reported symptoms that require evaluation for COVID-19. Per protocols established by the El Paso County Department of Health, anyone who meets the criteria for a primary contact must quarantine for 14 days from the date of last exposure, or until a negative COVID diagnosis AND definitive alternate diagnosis for the possible case is established by a doctor. The criteria for a primary contact include being in close proximity to an individual with symptoms who is being evaluated for COVID-19. The duration of contact must be a cumulative 15 minutes or longer in the 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms or anytime thereafter.
We have identified 36 students and 9 employees who meet the criteria for primary contacts and are moving the individuals into quarantine. The dates of exposure were Thursday, October 29 and/or Friday, October 30 and all primary contacts will be in quarantine until November 14, which is 14 days from the point of last contact. The boarding students in this group are in a residence hall that we have reserved exclusively for quarantines such as this situation. Day students and the adults in the group will quarantine in their homes. All will participate in classes via distance learning.
The following, which was shared yesterday, is important to reiterate. The School is working with the EPCDH to actively manage the situation. Members of the Health Center Team, administration, and faculty are in close contact with the individuals in quarantine and their families to ensure that they are taken care of and fully supported. These individuals are being monitored closely for any COVID-19 symptoms and will be tested if warranted according to the protocols established by the EPCDH. In the event of any further diagnoses among the group in quarantine, or otherwise, we may need to expand and or modify quarantine.
I want to reiterate that the one diagnosed and one potential case in our community do not appear to be related. I understand that this new development, the news of yesterday, the rising number of COVID cases around the world, and the current climate related to the election may compound an already heightened level of stress. It is a normal and reasonable reaction to want to know more about the situation than we have shared here in order to assess risk for yourself and your family and respond accordingly. It is our intention to provide as much clarity as we are able, and please remember that we are limited in what we can share by HIPPA privacy laws.
Please also know that a team of more than a dozen individuals, including members of the administration, our Health Center Staff and Medical Director, and County health professionals and epidemiologists are working together on the School’s response and ensuring the health of our community. This, and maintaining the predictable and supportive environment of in-person learning for as many possible, remain our focus. With this in mind, know that we will have regular updates this week.
In the meantime, take care, stay safe, and be well.
Sincerely,
William Webb
Head of School
Fountain Valley School of Colorado
6155 Fountain Valley School Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80911
