SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- An official with the Encinitas Union School District confirmed Sunday a presumptive positive case of COVID-19.
In a release sent to families of the district, Superintendent Andree Grey said "individual at Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary" tested positive. Grey could not provide further details citing privacy restrictions.
"I understand that it can be disconcerting to not have specific information surrounding the individual, however, it is important that we respect the privacy of our students and staff. At the same time, we want to provide you with as much information as possible," Grey said.
Grey said county health officials are investigating the case and that the patient is isolated at home.
The district is notifying people who may have been exposed and asking them to self-quarantine, Grey added.
READ FULL STATEMENT
March 15, 2020
Dear Staff and Families, As you know, as a nation and as a community we are seeing the increasing numbers of citizens testing positive for COVID-19. Recently a positive case was noted in Encinitas and today the County Department of Public Health and Human Services confirmed a presumptive positive in our school community. An individual at Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary has tested presumptive positive for COVID-19. In situations with infectious diseases, we are required to follow the direction of the Center for Disease Control, California Department of Health, and the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). This includes following procedures related to HIPAA and privacy standards. I understand that it can be disconcerting to not have specific information surrounding the individual, however, it is important that we respect the privacy of our students and staff. At the same time, we want to provide you with as much information as possible.
The San Diego County Department of Health and Human Services is currently in the process of investigating and the individual is in home isolation and being monitored. EUSD is notifying individuals who may have been exposed and asking them to self-quarantine.
Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals and humans. This novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is a newly discovered coronavirus causing respiratory illness that has not been previously detected in animals or humans. The source of this virus is not yet known. Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath and can appear 2-14 days from exposure.
Due to the way the COVID-19 virus is spread, per current protocol (directed by the Centers for Disease Control), HHSA suggests we consider all of us as being potentially exposed. Anyone who is ill should stay home except to get medical care. If you are ill, it is recommended you separate from others in the home, wear a face mask, cover cough and sneezes, clean hands and surfaces often, and avoid sharing personal items. It is important to monitor symptoms for potential worsening including shortness of breath. It should be emphasized that anyone experiencing symptoms should self-isolate and contact your doctor.
We recognize and understand how concerning this information is. We will continue to monitor the situation and update you as we have additional information. For specific information on the COVID-19 virus, we recommend reviewing information from the following sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
California Department of Public Health
San Diego County HHSA, Epidemiology
California Labor and Workforce Development Guidance
California Employment Development Department/Labor Commission
If you have COVID-19 questions, please call 2-1-1. Should you have school health related questions, please contact our nursing staff, Karen Shuff or Denise Donar.
We have all been preparing and working to slow the spread of the COVID-19 and it is unsettling to have this happening in our community and our schools. With our schools continuing to be closed over the next few weeks, we are hopeful having students and families at home will reduce illness. Please know we are in direct contact with our County Office Education and the San Diego County Public Health Department and are following all public health guidelines and directives strictly. We will continue to keep you updated.
Sincerely,
Andree Grey, Ed.D.
Superintendent