Marshall Miles Interviews Superintendent Lisa Carter: IMPORTANT NOTE TO REGION ONE PARENTS AND STAFF REGARDING A COVID-19 POSITIVE TEST IN NORTH CANAAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Dear Region One Families and Staff:

On October 10, we were notified that a member of our North Canaan Elementary School community tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The affected person has been instructed by me and by the staff at the Torrington Area Health Department to remain home in self-isolation for 10 days. Family members have also been instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days and to be tested. This morning, I communicated with the staff at the Torrington Area Health District. Anyone who is considered a “close contact” with the person who has tested positive has been contacted by TAHD health officials and has been provided with instructions on the appropriate steps to take regarding quarantining and testing. Based on my conversation with the staff at TAHD, all community members who need to be quarantined have been notified and there is no need to quarantine any of our classrooms or to close our schools. COVID-19 is spread mainly 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 discuss the following preventive measures with your children and family members:● Wash your hands frequently, but 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. When soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.● 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 inside the elbow of your arm.● As much as you can, avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.● Wear a face covering (mask) whenever there is a likelihood that you or your family members will be in the presence of others.● Maintain social distancing (at least 6 feet) between yourself and others when outside of yourhome.Below is the list of COVID-19 symptoms for which everyone should monitor in their family members:❑ Fever (100.4° Fahrenheit or higher)❑ Chills or shaking chills❑ Uncontrolled new cough (not due to other known cause, such as chronic cough)❑ Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath DocuSign Envelope ID: 539DF11B-5D72-41C8-A38C-5810BA61B247❑ New loss of taste or smell For additional information on COVID-19 symptoms, please see:https://www.cdc.gov/.../symptoms-testing/symptoms.htmlStaff and students exhibiting any of the above symptoms, or feeling ill, should remain home andcall their medical provider to report their symptoms and ask about testing prior to seeking in-personcare at a clinic, physician’s office, or hospital.We thank you all for continuing to be vigilant about daily screening, for following the safety guidelines and for communicating any concerns as they arise.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.Sincerely,Lisa B. Carter Interim Superintendent,