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2020 - Letters from the Superintendent » 2020 - October

2020 - October

 
 
 
                                                                                                  Oct. 30, 2020,  9:58 AM
 
Dear Milford Community:
 
Last night we were informed of what is now our 6th positive Covid-19 Case at the Heron Pond School, since the start of the school year. The individual identified as positive has now established a “Cluster.” A “Cluster” is defined as 3 or more individuals confirmed with Covid-19, who are part of a related group of individuals (e.g. classroom or bus), who have the potential to transmit infection to each other through close contact.
 
On Wednesday, we anticipated the potential for this through contact tracing, and were awaiting test results. We are continuing the tracing process, and sometimes learn more after the fact. Our decision to close Heron Pond for two weeks was made proactively to contain and prevent any further spread.
 
As I shared with the community on Wednesday, with more cases occurring, we are asking families to follow the state guidelines for prevention of spreading COVID-19. We are doing everything that we can in our schools to keep your children and staff members safe by enforcing several health and safety precautions as outlined by NHDHHS and CDC. However, we have received concerns from community members that outside of school, students are not following health protocols such as proper physical distancing and the wearing of masks. We want to minimize those risks as much as possible and we ask for your support in educating your children the importance of following proper health precautions. Thank you in advance for your support.
 
I also want to acknowledge how difficult this is for families. Our intention is to keep our buildings open, and return to normal operations as soon as possible. However, it is our first and foremost responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff. We appreciate your understanding, patience, and support in assisting us through these unprecedented circumstances.
 
Any further information will be sent to families by the building Principal.
 
Our Principals and Nurses are working closely with NH DHHS and our Local Health Officials. NHDHHS have requested we provide contact information for anyone who has been identified as having had close contact (within 6 feet for longer than 10 minutes) with the infected person. Our School-Based Administration is in contact with NH DHHS now. Based on the information provided by the school, NHDHHS will contact individuals and will instruct them on how to self-quarantine at home. Those families and staff will be directed to get tested and keep themselves quarantined until 14 days following their last possible exposure. If you know that you have been a close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, please take the appropriate safety measures and follow quarantining procedures.
 
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a fever, chills, respiratory illness, aches or change in taste and smell, please stay home and away from others and get a COVID-19 PCR test. If your child is experiencing symptoms, you should alert their provider that they were possibly exposed to a positive COVID case before going into the practice. You may also choose to seek out testing from your healthcare provider or at one of the testing sites located throughout the state https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/covid19/documents/covid-testing-options.pdf If you choose either of those options, you should bring this letter with you.
 
Please note that if you or your child are currently quarantined, you must complete quarantine, even if your test is negative. This is because the maximum amount of time from being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 and testing positive is 14 days. Therefore, even if your child tests negative today, they would need to quarantine until they reach the 14th day following exposure.
 
The safety of our children, employees and visitors is our top priority. To ensure your health and safety, we have been following CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting for our high-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces. Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, we should all take the following precautions to prevent the spread of the disease:
 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid close contact with others. When outside your home, keep a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others. This is known as social distancing.
  • Wear a cloth face covering that covers your mouth and nose to protect others when in public areas.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
  • Please click HERE for information related to how our schools and district respond to positive cases of COVID.
 
Children may worry about themselves, their family and friends getting sick with COVID-19. Tips for talking to children about COVID-19 can be found HERE.
 
To learn more about COVID-19, please check these trusted resources:
 
Sincerely,
Dr. Jessica Huizenga
 
 
 
 
 
 

                                                                                                 Oct. 28, 2020,  1:06 PM

 
Dear Milford Community:    
 
Today we were informed of another confirmed case of COVID-19 at the Heron Pond School. The individual was last in school on 10/23. We have been in contact with Jason Smedick and Chief Flaherty to discuss the situation. In an effort to be proactive, and limit any potential spread, we will be moving Heron Pond to remote learning for the next two weeks; from Thursday, Oct. 29th – Nov. 12th. We plan to resume Hybrid Learning on Thursday, Nov. 12. Heron Pond will be closed to staff on Thursday Oct. 29th so a deep clean of the building can be completed. Contact tracing will be done, and any close contacts will be notified. If you are contacted by DHHS, they may direct you to quarantine. If you are not, please continue to take the appropriate precautions. If there are any changes, families and staff will be notified by the building Principal.
 
With more cases occurring, we are asking families to follow the state guidelines for prevention of spreading COVID-19. We are doing everything that we can in our schools to keep your children and staff members safe by enforcing several health and safety precautions as outlined by NHDHHS and CDC. However, we have received concerns from community members that outside of school, students are not following health protocols such as proper physical distancing and the wearing of masks. We want to minimize those risks as much as possible and we ask for your support in educating your children on the importance of following proper health precautions. Thank you in advance for your support.
 
Any further information will be sent to families by the building Principal.
 
Our Principals and Nurses are working closely with NH DHHS and our Local Health Officials. NHDHHS have requested we provide contact information for anyone who has been identified as having had close contact (within 6 feet for longer than 10 minutes) with the infected person. Our School-Based Administration is in contact with NH DHHS now. Based on the information provided by the school, NHDHHS will contact individuals and will instruct them on how to self-quarantine at home. Those families and staff will be directed to get tested and keep themselves quarantined until 14 days following their last possible exposure. If you know that you have been a close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, please take the appropriate safety measures and follow quarantining procedures.
 
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a fever, chills, respiratory illness, aches or change in taste and smell, please stay home and away from others and get a COVID-19 PCR test. If your child is experiencing symptoms, you should alert their provider that they were possibly exposed to a positive COVID case before going into the practice. You may also choose to seek out testing from your healthcare provider or at one of the testing sites located throughout the state https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/covid19/documents/covid-testing-options.pdf If you choose either of those options, you should bring this letter with you.
 
Please note that if you or your child are currently quarantined, you must complete quarantine, even if your test is negative. This is because the maximum amount of time from being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 and testing positive is 14 days. Therefore, even if your child tests negative today, they would need to quarantine until they reach the 14th day following exposure.
 
The safety of our children, employees and visitors is our top priority. To ensure your health and safety, we have been following CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting for our high-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces.  Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, we should all take the following precautions to prevent the spread of the disease:
 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid close contact with others. When outside your home, keep a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others. This is known as social distancing.
  • Wear a cloth face covering that covers your mouth and nose to protect others when in public areas.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
  • Please click HERE for information related to how our schools and district respond to positive cases of COVID-19.
 
To learn more about COVID-19, please check these trusted resources:
 
Sincerely,
Dr. Jessica Huizenga
 
 
 
 
 
 

                                                                                                 Oct. 25, 2020,  10:36 AM

 
Dear Milford families:     
 
Over the weekend, we were informed of another confirmed case of COVID-19 at the Heron Pond School. The individual was last in school on 10/20. We have been in contact with Jason Smedick and Chief Flaherty to discuss the situation. The building was deep cleaned over the weekend. Contract tracing was done, and we have notified the only school close contact. I want to re-iterate that close contact means that the individual was within 6 feet or less, for more than 10 minutes. This is cumulative, not consecutive. Heron Pond will be open on Monday. This case is unrelated to the prior case we discussed with you on Friday. There is no connection. If anything changes, families and staff will be notified by the building Principal.
 
Any further information will be sent to families by the building Principal.
 
Our Principals and Nurses are working closely with NH DHHS and our Local Health Officials. NHDHHS have requested we provide contact information for anyone who has been identified as having had close contact (within 6 feet for longer than 10 minutes) with the infected person. Our School-Based Administration is in contact with NH DHHS now. Based on the information provided by the school, NHDHHS will contact individuals and will instruct them on how to self-quarantine at home. Those families and staff will be directed to get tested and keep themselves quarantined until 14 days following their last possible exposure. If you know that you have been a close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, please take the appropriate safety measures and follow quarantining procedures.
 
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a fever, chills, respiratory illness, aches or change in taste and smell, please stay home and away from others and get a COVID-19 PCR test. If your child is experiencing symptoms, you should alert their provider that they were possibly exposed to a positive COVID case before going into the practice. You may also choose to seek out testing from your healthcare provider or at one of the testing sites located throughout the state (https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/covid19/documents/covid-testing-options.pdf). If you choose either of those options, you should bring this letter with you.
 
Please note that if you or your child are currently quarantined, you must complete quarantine, even if your test is negative. This is because the maximum amount of time from being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 and testing positive is 14 days. Therefore, even if your child tests negative today, they would need to quarantine until they reach the 14th day following exposure.
 
The safety of our children, employees and visitors is our top priority. To ensure your health and safety, we have been following CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting for our high-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces.  Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, we should all take the following precautions to prevent the spread of the disease:
 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid close contact with others. When outside your home, keep a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others. This is known as social distancing.
  • Wear a cloth face covering that covers your mouth and nose to protect others when in public areas.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
  • Please click HERE for information related to how our schools and district respond to positive cases of COVID-19.
 
To learn more about COVID-19, please check these trusted resources:
 
Sincerely,
Dr. Jessica Huizenga
 
 
 
 
 

                                                                                                     Oct. 23, 2020,  11:24 AM

 
Dear Milford families:     
 
Earlier today, we were informed of a confirmed case of COVID-19 at both the Heron Pond School, and at Milford High School. I have spoken with Jason Smedick and Chief Flaherty. After discussing each case with the School Principals, Milford High School will remain open today, and out of an abundance of caution, Heron Pond Elementary will be closed  for the afternoon session.  A deep clean of the buildings will occur tonight and over the weekend. Contract tracing has begun, and those individuals who have been identified as close primary contacts will be notified and quarantined. We expect both schools to be open on Monday, however, if there are any changes, families and staff will be notified by their building Principals. 
 
Additionally, we are working with the Athletic Department and coaches to make a determination about HS girls and boys soccer at this time. More information will be coming from the HS shortly. 
As these cases become more frequent, we are being mindful of providing quality instruction, while balancing our first and foremost priority of ensuring a safe and healthy environment for students and staff. Each individual circumstance comes with unique challenges around staffing, which may impact instructional delivery. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we navigate through each of these cases. As we move into the flu and Holiday Season, the possibility of shifting models may become a reality. We will continue to update the community as our circumstances evolve. 
 
Further information will be sent to families by the building Principals shortly.  
 
Our Principals and Nurses are working closely with NH DHHS and our Local Health Officials. NHDHHS have requested we provide contact information for anyone who has been identified as having had close contact (within 6 feet for longer than 10 minutes) with the infected person. Our School-Based Administration is in contact with NH DHHS now. Based on the information provided by the school, NHDHHS will contact individuals and will instruct them on how to self-quarantine at home. Those families and staff will be directed to get tested and keep themselves quarantined until 14 days following their last possible exposure.
 
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a fever, chills, respiratory illness, aches or change in taste and smell, please stay home and away from others and get a COVID-19 PCR test. If your child is experiencing symptoms, you should alert their provider that they were possibly exposed to a positive COVID case before going into the practice. You may also choose to seek out testing from your healthcare provider or at one of the testing sites located throughout the state https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/covid19/documents/covid-testing-options.pdf If you choose either of those options, you should bring this letter with you.
 
Please note that if you or your child are currently quarantined, you must complete quarantine, even if your test is negative. This is because the maximum amount of time from being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 and testing positive is 14 days. Therefore, even if your child tests negative today, they would need to quarantine until they reach the 14th day following exposure.
 
The safety of our children, employees and visitors is our top priority. To ensure your health and safety, we have been following CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting for our high-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces. Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, we should all take the following precautions to prevent the spread of the disease:
 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid close contact with others. When outside your home, keep a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others. This is known as social distancing.
  • Wear a cloth face covering that covers your mouth and nose to protect others when in public areas.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
  • Please click HERE for information related to how our schools and district respond to positive cases of COVID-19.
 
To learn more about COVID-19, please check these trusted resources:
 
Sincerely,
Dr. Jessica Huizenga
 
 
 

 

                                                                                                     Oct. 20, 2020,  4:21 PM

 
Dear Milford families:     
 
I just received word from Ms. Davis this afternoon that another MHS community member has tested positive for Covid-19. This individual has not been in the building since Friday, Sept. 25th. However, a member of the girl's soccer team has been identified as a close contact, and we have made the decision to suspend girl soccer practices and competition until we can get more guidance from the state. We DO NOT feel it is necessary at this time to go into a remote day tomorrow. Ms. Davis has spoken with Jason Smedick, Chief Flaherty, and is in contact with DHHS to seek more guidance from the state in terms of who (if at all), needs to be quarantined. We will continue with our plans to clean the building tonight. Tomorrow is a WIN Wednesday, which limits the numbers in the building.
 
As we continue to deal with this pandemic, following safety protocols will be critical to limit the spread of this illness. Therefore, if you or your child are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a fever, chills, respiratory illness, aches or change in taste and smell, please stay home and away from others and get a COVID-19 PCR test. If your child is experiencing symptoms, you should alert their provider that they were possibly exposed to a positive COVID case before going into the practice. You may also choose to seek out testing from your healthcare provider or at one of the testing sites located throughout the state
https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/covid19/documents/covid-testing-options.pdf If you choose either of those options, you should bring this letter with you.
 
Please note that if you or your child are currently quarantined, you must complete quarantine, even if your test is negative. This is because the maximum amount of time from being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 and testing positive is 14 days. Therefore, even if your child tests negative today, they would need to quarantine until they reach the 14th day following exposure.
 
The safety of our children, employees and visitors is our top priority. To ensure your health and safety, we have been following CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting for our high-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces. Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, we should all take the following precautions to prevent the spread of the disease:
 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid close contact with others. When outside your home, keep a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others. This is known as social distancing.
  • Wear a cloth face covering that covers your mouth and nose to protect others when in public areas.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
  • Please click HERE for information related to how our schools and district respond to positive cases of COVID.

Children may worry about themselves, their family and friends getting sick with COVID-19. Tips for talking to children about COVID-19 can be found HERE.
 
To learn more about COVID-19, please check these trusted resources:
 
Sincerely,
Dr. Jessica Huizenga
 
 
 
 
 

                                                                                                     Oct. 20, 2020,  10:36 AM

 
Dear Milford families:     
 
This morning, we were informed of a confirmed case of COVID-19 at MHS. There is no evidence that this case resulted from attendance at school. Every one of our cases has been the result of outside exposure. The individual who tested positive was last in school on Thursday, October 15th.  As of Friday morning, they began quarantining.  Since the person became symptomatic Monday afternoon, 10/19, we do not need to contact trace or go into a remote day as 48 hours prior to Monday afternoon was the weekend and he was already quarantining. Ms. Davis has spoken with Jason Smedick, Chief Flaherty, and is in contact with DHHS. Tonight, we will do a deep clean of the building. 
 
As we continue to deal with this pandemic, following safety protocols will be critical to limit the spread of this illness. Therefore, if you or your child are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a fever, chills, respiratory illness, aches or change in taste and smell, please stay home and away from others and get a COVID-19 PCR test. If your child is experiencing symptoms, you should alert their provider that they were possibly exposed to a positive COVID case before going into the practice. You may also choose to seek out testing from your healthcare provider or at one of the testing sites located throughout the state (https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/covid19/documents/covid-testing-options.pdf). If you choose either of those options, you should bring this letter with you.
 
Please note that if you or your child are currently quarantined, you must complete quarantine, even if your test is negative. This is because the maximum amount of time from being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 and testing positive is 14 days. Therefore, even if your child tests negative today, they would need to quarantine until they reach the 14th day following exposure.
 
The safety of our children, employees and visitors is our top priority. To ensure your health and safety, we have been following CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting for our high-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces.  Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, we should all take the following precautions to prevent the spread of the disease:
 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid close contact with others. When outside your home, keep a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others. This is known as social distancing.
  • Wear a cloth face covering that covers your mouth and nose to protect others when in public areas.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
  • Please click HERE for information related to how our schools and district respond to positive cases of COVID.
 
Children may worry about themselves, their family and friends getting sick with COVID-19. Tips for talking to children about COVID-19 can be found HERE.
 
To learn more about COVID-19, please check these trusted resources:
 
 
Sincerely,
Dr. Jessica Huizenga
 
 
 
 
 
 

                                                                                                       Oct. 13, 2020,  11:38 AM

 
Dear Milford Community:     
 
Earlier today we were informed of a confirmed case of COVID-19 at the Heron Pond School. We have no evidence at this time that the infection occurred at school. I have spoken with Jason Smedick and Chief Flaherty. More information is being gathered, therefore we will complete the school day today. However, at this time we do know that there has been limited contact with adults, and no known contact with students. The last time this individual was in the building was 10/7.
 
Per our reopening plan, on Page 28, tomorrow will be a remote day at Heron Pond. Staff and students will not be allowed to enter the building on the remote day. Tomorrow was supposed to be a regular double session day. Therefore, tomorrow will be remote for everyone. During this time, a deep clean of the building will occur.
 
As these cases become more frequent, we are being mindful of providing quality instruction, while balancing our first and foremost priority of ensuring a safe and healthy environment for students and staff. Each individual circumstance comes with unique challenges around staffing, which may impact instructional delivery. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we navigate through each individual case.
 
We are consulting with local officials and will decide in the next 24 hours on the re-opening of Heron Pond School. Further information will be sent to families by the building Principal.
 
NH DHHS and our Local Health Officials have requested we provide contact information for anyone who has been identified as having had close contact (within 6 feet for longer than 10 minutes) with the infected person. Our School-Based Administration is in contact with NH DHHS now. Based on the information provided by the school, NHDHHS will contact individuals and will instruct them on how to self-quarantine at home. Those families and staff will be directed to get tested and keep themselves quarantined until 14 days following their last possible exposure.
 
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a fever, chills, respiratory illness, aches or change in taste and smell, please stay home and away from others and get a COVID-19 PCR test. If your child is experiencing symptoms, you should alert their provider that they were possibly exposed to a positive COVID case before going into the practice. You may also choose to seek out testing from your healthcare provider or at one of the testing sites located throughout the state https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/covid19/documents/covid-testing-options.pdf If you choose either of those options, you should bring this letter with you.
 
Please note that if you or your child are currently quarantined, you must complete quarantine, even if your test is negative. This is because the maximum amount of time from being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 and testing positive is 14 days. Therefore, even if your child tests negative today, they would need to quarantine until they reach the 14th day following exposure.
 
The safety of our children, employees and visitors is our top priority. To ensure your health and safety, we have been following CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting for our high-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces. Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, we should all take the following precautions to prevent the spread of the disease:
 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid close contact with others. When outside your home, keep a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others. This is known as social distancing.
  • Wear a cloth face covering that covers your mouth and nose to protect others when in public areas.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
  • Please click HERE for information related to how our schools and district respond to positive cases of COVID-19.
 
Children may worry about themselves, their family and friends getting sick with COVID-19. Tips for talking to children about COVID-19 can be found HERE.
 
To learn more about COVID-19, please check these trusted resources:
 
Sincerely,
Dr. Jessica Huizenga
 
 
 
 
 
 

                                                                                                      Oct. 12, 2020,  2:17 PM

 
Dear Milford Community:     
 
Today, Monday October 12th, we were informed of a confirmed case of COVID-19 at Milford Middle School. We have no evidence at this time that the infection occurred at school. More information is being gathered at this time. Mr. Demers is awaiting contact with DHHS to begin the process of contract tracing. Due to the Hybrid Schedule, the individual has not been in school since last Tuesday, Oct. 6th.
 
Per our reopening plan, on Page 28, the Middle School will be fully remote tomorrow to all staff and students. During that time, a deep cleaning of the building will occur.
 
We are consulting with local officials and will decide in the next 24 hours on the re-opening of Milford Middle School. Further information will be sent to families by the building Principal.
 
NH DHHS and our Local Health Officials have requested we provide contact information for anyone who has been identified as having had close contact (within 6 feet for longer than 10 minutes) with the infected person. Our School-Based Administration is in contact with NH DHHS now. Based on the information provided by the school, NHDHHS will contact individuals and will instruct them on how to self-quarantine at home. Those families and staff will be directed to get tested and keep themselves quarantined until 14 days following their last possible exposure.
 
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a fever, chills, respiratory illness, aches or change in taste and smell, please stay home and away from others and get a COVID-19 PCR test. If your child is experiencing symptoms, you should alert their provider that they were possibly exposed to a positive COVID case before going into the practice. You may also choose to seek out testing from your healthcare provider or at one of the testing sites located throughout the state https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/covid19/documents/covid-testing-options.pdf If you choose either of those options, you should bring this letter with you.
 
Please note that if you or your child are currently quarantined, you must complete quarantine, even if your test is negative. This is because the maximum amount of time from being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 and testing positive is 14 days. Therefore, even if your child tests negative today, they would need to quarantine until they reach the 14th day following exposure.
 
The safety of our children, employees and visitors is our top priority. To ensure your health and safety, we have been following CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting for our high-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces. Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, we should all take the following precautions to prevent the spread of the disease:
 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid close contact with others. When outside your home, keep a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others. This is known as social distancing.
  • Wear a cloth face covering that covers your mouth and nose to protect others when in public areas.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
  • Please click HERE for information related to how our schools and district respond to positive cases of COVID-19.
 
To learn more about COVID-19, please check these trusted resources:
 
Sincerely,
Dr. Jessica Huizenga
 
 
 
 
 
 

                                                                                                     Oct. 8, 2020,  2:37 PM

 
Dear Milford Community:     
 
I want to wish everyone a happy holiday weekend, and hope you enjoy time with family and friends. This is just a friendly reminder that per the DHHS, any persons traveling internationally (including Canada), on a cruise ship, or domestically outside of Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, or Rhode Island for non-essential purposes must quarantine for 14 days after return. “Essential travel,” per the most recent guidance from the State includes travel for personal safety, medical care, care of others, parental shared custody, for food, beverage or medication or for work. Thank you for your continued support during these unprecedented times.  
 
Have a wonderful weekend, 
Dr. Jessica Huizenga
 
 
 

                                                                                                                              Oct. 6, 2020, 11:52 AM

 
Dear Milford Families:
 
Today, October 6th, we were informed of a confirmed case of COVID-19 at Milford High School. We have no evidence at this time that the infection occurred at school. More information is being gathered at this time, and the DHHS process of contract tracing has begun. Due to the Hybrid Schedule, the individual has not been in school since Friday.  
 
Per our reopening plan, on Page 28, the High School will be closed tomorrow to all staff and students. The good news is tomorrow is a WIN Day, which is limited to mostly adults, and disruption should be minimal. Tonight and tomorrow, a deep cleaning of the building will occur.  
 
We are consulting with local officials and will decide in the next 24 hours on the re-opening of Milford High School. Further information will be sent to families by the building Principal.  
 
NH DHHS and our Local Health Officials have requested we provide contact information for anyone who has been identified as having had close contact (within 6 feet for longer than 10 minutes) with the infected person. Our School-Based Administration is in contact with NH DHHS now. Based on the information provided by the school, NHDHHS will contact individuals and will instruct them on how to self-quarantine at home. Those families and staff will be directed to get tested and keep themselves quarantined until 14 days following their last possible exposure.
 
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a fever, chills, respiratory illness, aches or change in taste and smell, please stay home and away from others and get a COVID-19 PCR test. If your child is experiencing symptoms, you should alert their provider that they were possibly exposed to a positive COVID case before going into the practice. You may also choose to seek out testing from your healthcare provider or at one of the testing sites located throughout the state (https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/covid19/documents/covid-testing-options.pdf). If you choose either of those options, you should bring this letter with you.
 
Please note that if you or your child are currently quarantined, you must complete quarantine, even if your test is negative. This is because the maximum amount of time from being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 and testing positive is 14 days. Therefore, even if your child tests negative today, they would need to quarantine until they reach the 14th day following exposure.
 
The safety of our children, employees and visitors is our top priority. To ensure your health and safety, we have been following CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting for our high-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces.  Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, we should all take the following precautions to prevent the spread of the disease:
 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid close contact with others. When outside your home, keep a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others. This is known as social distancing.
  • Wear a cloth face covering that covers your mouth and nose to protect others when in public areas.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
  • Please click HERE for information related to how our schools and district respond to positive cases of COVID.
 
Children may worry about themselves, their family and friends getting sick with COVID-19. Tips for talking to children about COVID-19 can be found HERE.
 
To learn more about COVID-19, please check these trusted resources:
 
Sincerely,
Dr. Jessica Huizenga