Dear Members of the Prep Community:
Today, St. John's Prep received notification of a self-reported positive case of COVID-19 from a member of the school community. The individual was symptomatic after campus was closed and did not come in contact with anyone on campus during the time they were showing symptoms of COVID-19. We are sharing this information with you in an abundance of caution.
After we were informed by the individual, our School Nurses spoke with the Town of Danvers Public Health Nurse and reviewed CDC protocol. After reviewing the timeline of symptoms, it has been determined that there is minimal risk to the St. John's Prep community. Individuals considered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) as being "close contacts" (coming within 6 feet for more than fifteen minutes) will be contacted by health officials and given instructions on next steps.
We continue to recommend that all Prep community members take the following actions to prevent the spread of all types of viruses and illnesses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
We have been advised by public health authorities that due to the increase in testing, it will become less feasible to communicate a positive COVID-19 case reported in the St. John's Prep community. We have been directed to rely on the public health network to communicate positive cases in accordance with DPH and CDC protocol.
It is important for all of us to protect the privacy of the individual involved. Please respect their privacy, even if you believe that you know who they are. Our goal is to fully support the individual and our community during the time of illness and recovery.
Please note that we are sharing this information with you in an abundance of caution and that we have been assured by the Public Health authorities that there is minimal risk to the larger St. John's Prep community. We thank you for your support, cooperation and understanding. Let us all join together in prayer for all those impacted by COVID-19, those who are sick as well as our first responders and medical professionals.
Peace and Prayers,
Ed Hardiman, Ph.D.
Headmaster
Keith Crowley, Ph.D.
Principal/Associate Head of School