Today, USD 456 - Marais des Cygnes Valley was notified by the Osage County Health Department that a student at Marais des Cygnes Valley High School has tested positive for COVID-19.
In cooperation with the Osage County Health Department, tracing protocols have been enacted and individuals in close contact with the student, defined as less than six feet for more than ten minutes, have been notified directly by the school of immediate quarantine measures. The Osage County Health Department will then provide direct and written notification of the quarantine measures, as well as continued health support during the defined time frame.
The individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 and those defined by the health department as close contacts will not be allowed to return to school for at least 14 days from their last contact.
At this time, no further quarantine, isolation or closure measures have been advised. Classes and extra-curricular activities will continue as scheduled.
USD 456 is closely monitoring the situation and will notify families if any additional actions need to be taken in the near future.
With this development, it is a good opportunity to remind students and families that customary precautions be taken in regards to mitigating risk of contracting COVID-19. That would include wearing a mask and maintaining six feet of distance when outside the household, and maintaining good hygiene during the course of the day.
If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms, or if you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, please contact your healthcare provider or the Osage County Health Department.