*** TO DISTRICT 99 AND DISTRICT 58 STAFF, STUDENTS AND FAMILIES ***
Dear District 99 and District 58 Community:
District 99 and District 58 are sharing information that we have had a confirmed case of COVID-19 in our school community. The affected individual is not a staff member or a student. We have been in contact with the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD), and they have identified that there is no increased risk to our students and staff, beyond the existing community spread.
The DCHD is reporting, as of March 23, 2020, that there are a total of 95 cases identified across DuPage County. We anticipate the numbers will continue to increase over the coming days and weeks. You can locate additional information about COVID-19 on the DCHD’s website at www.dupagehealth.org/COVID19. NOTE: District 99 and District 58 will not continue to report any new cases beyond this initial report. Please refer to the DCHD’s website and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for the most recent information.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided substantial guidance on managing COVID-19; please check the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov and talk with your personal healthcare provider if you have questions. In summary, the CDC notes:
- Most people who get sick with COVID-19 will have only mild illness and should recover at home. Older adults (over age 60 years) and people of any age with certain serious underlying medical conditions like lung disease, heart disease or diabetes are at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness and should seek care as soon as symptoms start.
- Most people who have exposure to COVID-19 or have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 do not require testing for COVID-19. Right now, the IDPH is recommending testing only for individuals who require hospitalization or for people who are part of a cluster of two or more possible or confirmed cases in a residential setting, such as an assisted living facility, group home, homeless shelter or correctional setting. Depending on symptoms, exposure and testing availability, your personal healthcare provider may be able to arrange testing at a commercial lab.
- If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. Stay in isolation at home until at least seven days after symptoms started AND three days after fever resolves (without any fever medications like Tylenol) AND symptoms are getting better.
- You can locate more information about COVID-19 at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to one of us directly.
Sincerely,
Dr. Hank Thiele hthiele@csd99.org
District 99 Superintendent
Dr. Kevin Russell
krussell@dg58.org
District 58 Superintendent