The message below was sent out to all P-H-M staff and families the afternoon of March 11, 2020.
Dear P-H-M Families,
The Saint Joseph County Department of Health held a news conference shortly after 3:00 p.m. this afternoon (Wednesday, March 11, 2020) to announce that St. Joseph County has its first positive case of COVID-19.
If you are not yet aware, the Health Department stated that the patient is an adult male in his 50s and is quarantined at home. They stated that the patient does not need to be hospitalized. Due to patient privacy, no other information was released.
Out of an abundance of precaution and to minimize risk of exposure to the elderly and those with medically compromised immune systems, Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation has decided to postpone large community events that we are hosting for the remainder of this week through Sunday, March 15. Building principals will notify the groups affected by the postponement of these events.
P-H-M Administration will take the rest of this week to examine what future action may need to be taken. We will be following the recommendations and direction of local, state and federal health officials.
We shared with you yesterday afternoon that we met with the Health Dept. officials. Their recommendation was to continue to stress the importance of hand hygiene and the importance for students and staff who are displaying flu-like symptoms to remain at home until they are fever and symptom free for at least 24 hours. CDC recommendations include:
- Wash your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Soap and water is best, washing the hands for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your mouth and nose. Remind your students to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. The best thing is to cover the mouth and nose area with a tissue and then throw the tissue immediately away. Second best, if tissues are not available, is to cough/sneeze into your elbow.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Both influenza and COVID-19 are respiratory viruses and the symptoms are very similar (click here for COVID-19 symptoms as described by the CDC). If you or a family member is having flu-like symptoms, you should contact your family physician for medical guidance.
Please use these resources for more information on the COVID-19 situation nationally and in our state:
We appreciate your patience during this time.
Dr. Jerry Thacker
Superintendent of Schools
