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In a letter issued to families Aug, 15, Lowndes County Public Schools (LCPS) addressed community concerns over the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases.

Samita Jeter, LCPS superintendent, assured school families that administrators have been following information and guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE).

“We are closely monitoring the health and attendance of our students and staff,” the letter confirmed. “All students are encouraged to come to school if they are free of fever and symptoms.”

According to ADPH data, the number of reported cases began climbing in June, with a noticeable spike in July. As of Aug. 3, the agency reported that 3.07% of emergency room visitors were diagnosed with COVID-19. 

That week, 31 new cases were reported to the agency. Data available from the CDC indicates 10 deaths occurred due to COVID that week and during the week ending Aug. 10, patients testing positive in Alabama emergency rooms had risen to 3.4%.

During the height of the pandemic, the number of COVID-related deaths in one week peaked at 617. And while the recent uptick in cases has raised some concern among families, the school system recommends following these recommendations to prevent the spread of infections and viruses:

* Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;

* Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;

* Avoid close contact with people who are sick;

* Cough or sneeze into elbow or use a tissue and place it in the trash immediately; and

* Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Some symptoms to be aware of are coughing, fever, runny nose, fever and chills, sore throat, headaches, loss of taste and smell or muscle soreness and aches. The school system requests that any student or staff with a fever of 100.4 or greater or who is experiencing symptoms to remain home until they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. The schools also request that children exhibiting a fever for more than 48 hours bring a physician’s note indicating they may return to school.

Jeter advised families that school faculty and staff are taking measures to maintain a clean and safe environment by cleaning commonly touched surfaces throughout the school day and ensuring soap and hand sanitizer is accessible to everyone on campus. Deep cleaning regimens are also being implemented in the schools.

A simultaneous notice went out to school faculty and staff on Aug. 15, alerting individuals who test positive for COVID-19 or exhibiting symptoms to follow CDC guidelines for preventing the spread of a respiratory virus. Personnel were advised to stay home for at least 24 hours after symptoms improve and no fever is present.

After returning to work, persons recovering from the coronavirus are urged to use masks for 3 – 4 days while observing physical distancing and hand hygiene and following the guidance of his or her healthcare provider.

“Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students and staff safe,” Jeter wrote in the letter.

Families with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Lead School Nurse Argentina Pasley at (334) 313-7777 or Jeter at (334) 548-2131.