December 7, 2021 11:45 a.m.
Dear HUUSD Families,
On Tuesday, December 7, we learned about a person in our learning community with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at Crossett Brook Middle School affecting 6th grade classrooms. Bus 8 was involved with this case. We are beginning the process of contact tracing for this CBMS case. Additionally, yesterday, through the "Test to Stay" process, we identified two additional COVID-19 cases at Brookside Primary School in the 1st and 3rd grades. Both of these cases were from lists of close contacts who had already been identified; as such, all contact tracing had already been completed. We are in communication with the Vermont Department of Health and are taking all measures to ensure our children's safety.
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 Crossett Brook will be notified once the calls have been completed.
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.
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. Our “Test to Stay” program will be made available for unvaccinated close contacts who are symptom free
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.
The most important things you can do:
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
