TASD student tests positive for COVID-19

The Texarkana Arkansas School District announced this morning that one of their students tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend. 

 

According to TASD Superintendent Becky Kesler, activities have been cancelled to prevent the further spread of the virus, and people thought to be in close contact with the student have been notified.

 

Kesler released the following statement on the district's website:


"Dear Parents and Community Members: Over the weekend, the Texarkana Arkansas School District was notified that one of our students tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). We have not received any reports of other students or staff members experiencing illnesses with symptoms resembling those of coronavirus. The Texarkana Arkansas School District COVID-19 Response Team works with the Arkansas Department of Health in determining on-site response levels when a positive case is confirmed. Upon learning of the positive case, immediate actions were taken in accordance with guidance from the Arkansas Department of Health, which included cancelling activities to prevent the spread of the virus and notifying persons in close contact. COVID-19 is thought to be spread via person-to-person contact through contaminated air droplets from coughing and sneezing by an infected person. As with controlling the spread of other viruses, we urge everyone to take the following preventive measures:     Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the restroom and before preparing or consuming food. Using soap and hot water, wash for about 20 seconds. Be sure to also wash your fingertips.     Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands or in the air. Always try to cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue away. If you don't have a tissue, cough/sneeze into your arm.     As much as you can, avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose. The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the regular seasonal influenza and include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. Some people with coronavirus have reported additional symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some situations, the virus can develop into pneumonia. Individuals who need medical care should call their medical providers to report their illnesses prior to seeking care at a clinic, physician's office, or hospital. Parents of students exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or staff exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms are asked to contact the Arkansas Health Department at 1-800-462-0599 for guidance. We are closely monitoring this situation and will provide you with updates as we know more. Nurse Tracie Vaughn is the TASD COVID-19 Point of Contact person. If you have COVID-19 related questions or need to report a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 that impacts our school system please do not hesitate to contact Nurse Tracie Vaughn at 870-703-2619."

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