An Important Message
for our Families and Staff of Buchanan Community Schools
4th Positive Case of COVID at Buchanan High School
October 12, 2020
Dear Families and Staff,
Buchanan Community Schools learned today that a student that attends Buchanan High School has tested positive for COVID-19. The student is currently in self-quarantine. This case is not related to any previous cases and is the result of an outside of school activity, not from being in the classrooms. Due to federal health privacy laws, information regarding the student’s identity cannot be released. Please respect the student’s privacy during this difficult time.
Upon learning the news, we contacted the Berrien County Health Department and have been working with them on the next steps. We continue to support the health department in its handling of the process and the appropriate notifications. In working through the contact tracing process the Health Department has confirmed that when we are tracing a person's contact that we look at anyone who has been within 6 feet of a confirmed, positive case for 15 minutes, even if that person is wearing a mask. Per the Berrien County Health Department, for the safety of all people, any student or staff member who falls into the above category is required to be quarantined for 14 days. Health officials are interviewing/reaching out/providing assistance directly to individuals with an elevated risk of exposure who may have been in recent close contact with the student. All families directly impacted by this news will be contacted by either Buchanan Community Schools or the county health department.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends contacting your doctor if you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and other symptoms, such as coughing or difficulty breathing. More information can be found at Berrien County Health Department. In addition, please take social distancing seriously: avoid crowds, stay at home, and maintain at least a six-foot distance from other people.
We will continue to provide updates as needed. You can access all of the district’s related communication by visiting our website at https://www.buchananschools.com. If you have questions, please contact your building administrator.
Thank you for your continued support. By working together, we will get through these challenging times. As you know, the well-being of our students, staff, and families, is our number one priority.
Please join me in sending healing thoughts to our student.
Sincerely,
Patricia Robinson
Superintendent
