TPS staff member tests positive for COVID-19

Late Sunday, June 14, Tecumseh Public Schools released a statement announcing that a South Early Learning Center staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. School officials have taken immediate action and are working with the Lenawee County Health Department (LCHD) to mitigate further spread. All those who were identified as being within six feet of the affected individual for 10 minutes or more have been identified through contact tracing and have been directed to quarantine. Those individuals will be monitored for symptoms by the LCHD and provided with an opportunity for testing.

On June 8 and 9 teachers gathered at South Early Learning Center to distribute student items left behind after schools closed March 13 due to the coronavirus pandemic, as ordered by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. On those two days teachers followed Center for Disease Control (CDC) precautions, wearing masks and maintaining distance while encountering parents and students who pulled through the bus drop off area to pick up their items. Contacts between teachers and students were brief and happened outside.

The risk of contracting COVID-19 is low for students and parents given the short contact time and the physical separation from school staff, however, all parents should be aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 which typically develop within 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Those symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

“Safety for our Tecumseh families and staff is our top priority,” said Rick Hilderley, TPS superintendent. “While all schools are being sanitized and cleaned using CDC guidelines, extra precautions are being taken to assure the safety our staff and students. New safety protocols are currently being developed as we look to the fall and return to teaching and learning.”

Prevention strategies such as staying home when sick, hand washing, physical distancing from those not in the same household, and wearing a face covering are important in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Those with symptoms of COVID-19 are advised to contact their healthcare provider for testing. Those without a healthcare provider, may call the health department at 264.5226, option 5 to speak with a public health nurse.