LA PORTE, Texas — La Porte ISD has confirmed that a female faculty member, who works at College Park Elementary, tested positive for COVID-19 on April 1.
District officials said she was not feeling well on March 4 and decided to go to the doctor. At that time, the doctor was unable to diagnose for a particular illness.
She, in the age range of 30-39, returned to work a routine schedule on March 5 and 6, the district said.
College Park Elementary has been deeply sanitized and all schools and offices have been closed since March 6, which was the last school day prior to spring break.
District officials also confirmed on Wednesday that a staff member who works at La Porte Jr. High School has had direct exposure to an individual with a suspected case of COVID-19.
Everyone who was present at the time of the exposure has been ordered to self-quarantine for two weeks.
District officials said La Porte Jr. High School has been deeply sanitized since they learned of the potential exposure.
Here are their statements of both incidents:
On the positive case at College Park Elementary
"La Porte ISD has been notified that a female professional faculty member in the age range of 30-39 who works at College Park Elementary tested positive for COVID-19 on April 1. She was not feeling well on March 4 and decided to go to the doctor. At that time, the doctor was unable to diagnose for a particular illness. She returned to work a routine schedule on March 5 and 6.
"College Park Elementary has been deeply sanitized and all schools and offices have been closed since March 6, 2020, which was the last school day prior to spring break. All La Porte ISD employees and students are instructed to continue to follow CDC guidelines and recommendations and to practice social distancing.
"Based on the information that we have gathered, it has been determined that the end of the 14-day incubation period for anyone possibly exposed on campus to the employee is
March 20, 2020.
"Out of an abundance of caution, we advise you to monitor your health, follow the CDC guidelines for people who have had close contact and contact your primary care physician if you develop symptoms.
"La Porte ISD is continuing to monitor this situation and will provide additional information as needed. We hope for a successful recovery for our La Porte ISD staff member."
On the possible exposure at La Porte Jr. High School
" La Porte ISD has been notified that a staff member who works at La Porte Jr. High School has had direct exposure to an individual with a suspected case of COVID-19. Everyone who was present at the time has been ordered to self-quarantine for two weeks. Additionally, access to all campuses is prohibited until further notice.
" La Porte Jr. High School has been deeply sanitized since we received information about the employees’ potential exposure. Though schools and offices have been closed since March 7, all La Porte ISD employees and students are instructed to continue to follow CDC guidelines and recommendations and to practice social distancing.
" Based on the information that we have gathered, it has been determined that the end of the 14-day incubation period for anyone possibly exposed on campus to the staff member is April 16.
" Out of an abundance of caution, we advise you to monitor your health, follow the CDC guidelines for people who have had close contact and contact your primary care physician if you develop symptoms.
" La Porte ISD is continuing to monitor this situation and will provide additional information as needed. "
MORE ON COVID-19
Coronavirus symptoms
The symptoms of coronavirus can be similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Some patients also have nausea, body aches, headaches and stomach issues. Losing your sense of taste and/or smell can also be an early warning sign.
Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80 percent of the cases there were mild.
But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk for becoming seriously ill. However, U.S. experts are seeing a significant number of younger people being hospitalized, including some in ICU.
The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.
Human coronaviruses are usually spread through...
- The air by coughing or sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
Help stop the spread of coronavirus
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Eat and sleep separately from your family members
- Use different utensils and dishes
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hand.
- If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
- Follow social distancing
Lower your risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.
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