November 23, 2021
Dear HUUSD Families,
On Tuesday, 11/23/21, we learned about a person in our learning community with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at Harwood Union Middle School. Buses are not affected. We will begin calling students at HUMS identified as close contacts shortly. All identified close contacts who are fully vaccinated will be notified via email; close contacts for whom we do not have a record of COVID-19 vaccination will be notified by phone. Families at Harwood Union Middle School will be notified once the calls have been completed. We recommend that you take action to help limit the spread of COVID-19, even if your child is not experiencing symptoms.
Vaccinations are available for all Vemonters ages 5 and up. If a person is fully vaccinated, they are not required to quarantine after exposure to COVID-19. Vaccination is the best way to avoid missing learning. Learn more about COVID vaccines for children by visiting COVID-19 Vaccines for Children. There are available slots this Saturday for children ages 5-11 at Waitsfield Elementary School. You may call the Vermont Department of Health at 855-722-7878 to register your child.
People who may have been exposed will be notified:
Anyone who is not fully vaccinated and was in close contact with the person who tested positive may have been exposed to the virus and will be asked to quarantine, which means staying home and away from other people for up to 14 days. Read more about what it means to quarantine.
Anyone who is fully vaccinated or has recovered from COVID-19 within the past 3 months and was in close contact with the person who tested positive does not need to quarantine unless they develop symptoms.
If you are identified as someone who may have been exposed, someone from HUUSD will notify you and will provide information and guidance on quarantine and other recommendations. Please make sure to answer the phone or call them back.
Learn more about what happens when there is a case in a school.
Supporting our learning community
In order to maintain everyone’s privacy, we cannot disclose who in our community has tested positive. Remember that we are all at risk of getting this virus. These “COVID-19 cases” are our friends and family, and we need to be understanding and supportive. People with COVID-19 often experience uncomfortable symptoms and emotional stress. Instead of participating in speculation or gossip, offer to help community members who are affected by quarantine. With creative action from all of us, we will get through this period of anxiety and disruption. We thank you for your investment in the health and wellbeing of our school community.
We will continue to communicate changes and updates with you.
Many thanks,
Kaiya Korb, Building Based COVID-19 Administrator
