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Salem student tests positive
Salem student tests positive
KENOSHA COUNTY -- A grade school student in the Salem School District has tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, the district has canceled scheduled student pickup of materials and supplies. It has also left parents feeling anxious -- wondering if their child might be affected.
The student attends Salem Grade School -- a school that has about 1,000 students. What is not being released is which grade the child is in -- or how they are currently feeling.
"I was completely shocked," said Elizabeth Estrada, a Salem Grade School parent. "Getting that email last night -- my heart dropped."
Estrada has two children who attend Salem Grade School. She told FOX6 News that Friday was their last day in class before transitioning to e-learning; however, a letter to parents about the positive coronavirus case left things at a standstill.
"I think the most difficult part of all of this is everything changes within minutes," said Connie Valenza, Interim District Administrator for Salem School District.
Valenza said she was notified about the positive case by the Kenosha County Division of Health Tuesday night, March 17 -- and immediately notified the school community.
"We're trying really hard to walk that line between informing parents and making sure we are respecting student confidentiality under the law," Valenza said.
In her letter, Valenza informed parents they would receive a second, follow-up notice if there was reason to believe their child may have come into contact with the student who tested positive.
Estrada tells FOX6 News she and her children are not showing any symptoms -- and she did not receive a second letter.
In the meantime, students were scheduled to pick up their Chromebooks and other supplies to begin e-learning on Monday. That plan is now on hold.
"I just hope for the best and that we pull through this and everybody stays safe and healthy," Estrada said.
According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 in children are similar to those in adults. They can include, but are not limited to fever, runny nose, and cough. The CDC recommends similar guidelines for children -- such as frequent hand-washing and disinfecting commonly used household items, including toys.
Salem School District note sent to parents