HN file Image of Meg Mayo-Brown, Superintendent of Barnstable Public Schools

[The following is the actual message sent out to members of the Barnstable Public Schools Community]

Dear BPS Community,

I am writing with another update regarding the impact of COVID-19 on our BPS community.

As I shared yesterday, a BCIS [Barnstable Community Innovation School] staff member was being tested for COVID-19. I am writing this evening to share that the impacted member has tested positive for COVID-19. Based on this formal diagnosis, medical experts are continuing to recommend that all staff and students at BCIS, and other impacted individuals, quarantine through March 20, 2020. Staff and students should watch for signs and symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. Please contact your primary care physician if you or your child experiences any of these symptoms. Also, please remember, during this difficult time, it is important to respect the privacy of the impacted staff member and their family.

Additionally, based on a recent declaration by Governor Baker, we are required to extend the school district closure until at least Tuesday, April 7, 2020. We are continuing to monitor the situation as it evolves. If we are required to extend the closure based on our local circumstances or statewide enforcement, we will update staff and families as soon as possible.

Finally, we cannot stress enough the importance of social distancing. Again, this means no playdates, get-togethers, parties, sleepovers, or families/friends visiting each other’s houses and apartments. And, if you are sick, you should try to isolate yourself from the rest of your family within your residence as best as you can. If you have questions about whether you qualify or should get a coronavirus test, you can call your primary care team. Of course, in a medical emergency, call 911.

Sincerely,
Meg Mayo-Brown, Superintendent of Schools

YESTERDAY’S INITIAL MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT Regarding First confirmed Cape Cod Coronavirus case being spouse of Barnstable Public Schools staff member…

BARNSTABLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS MESSAGE TO PARENTS:

March 14, 2020

Dear BPS Community,

We are aware of a confirmed case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Barnstable County. It saddens me to share that we were notified the impacted individual is the spouse of a staff member at Barnstable Community Innovation School.

At this time, our staff member, who is symptomatic and in self-quarantine, is undergoing testing as of this evening. We are in communication with the MA Department of Public Health, the Director of Public Health for the Town of Barnstable, our school physician, Dr. Katie Rudman, and the Town of Sandwich Public Health Department.

The staff member’s last day of work was Friday, March 6, 2020. On the advice of our medical experts, we are recommending that all staff and students from Barnstable Community Innovation School (BCIS) quarantine for at
least the next few days while we await results from the test. Since the staff member’s last day at BCIS was March 6, a full quarantine would extend to Friday, March 20. We have been advised that staff and students should watch for signs and symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. Please contact your primary care physician if, as a BCIS staff member, or your child as a BCIS student, experience any of these symptoms. We realize this news is unsettling, and you have my commitment that as soon as we receive more information from DPH, I will communicate with our BPS community.

All Barnstable Public Schools are closed for at least two weeks and will undergo deep cleaning beginning the second week. However, the Barnstable Community Innovation School is immediately closed to all staff, and will
undergo deep cleaning this week. Barnstable Public Schools continues to post COVID-19 updates and resources on our website at
https://www.barnstable.k12.ma.us/Page/4864

In addition to the recommendation to BCIS staff and students to quarantine, I want to remind our entire BPS community of the critical importance of social distancing. In particular, the Center for Disease Control discourages
staff, students, and their families from gathering or socializing anywhere. This includes group childcare arrangements, as well as gathering at places like a friend’s house, a favorite restaurant, or the local shopping mall.
We know that it is difficult for children to be away from their friends and extended family, but it is the only reliable way to slow the spread and protect all of our vulnerable community members.

In closing, it is important to emphasize our commitment to confidentiality. As with any medical issue, we are required to maintain the confidentiality of our staff, students and families at all times. We will not be providing
person-specific information regarding reasons for absences, illness and/or travel history. During this difficult time, it is important to respect the privacy of the impacted staff member and their family. Please keep the entire BCIS community in your thoughts.

We appreciate our BPS community’s patience and understanding as we support our students, staff, and families through these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Dr. Meg Mayo-Brown, Superintendent of Schools

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