A Homewood-Flossmoor High School student has voluntarily been quarantined at home after attending an event also attended by a person who has since tested positive for the coronavirus.
Coronavirus can cause respiratory infections that can be mild or severe. The current outbreak, COVID-19, is the latest strain of coronavirus. It is spreading worldwide.
Jodi Bryant, director of public relations at H-F, said the student’s parent is being cautious after being in the same building with the coronavirus patient, who at the time did not know she was ill.
After contacting the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH), H-F officials “were informed that this situation is of low risk and there is no need for H-F to do anything additional at this time. The student is not symptomatic and has been evaluated by a physician,” according to the letter sent to H-F parents on March 9.
Bryant said last week District 233 informed parents of safety tips on washing hands and urging students to stay home if one feels ill. The most recent letter reiterated many of these same points.
Homewood District 153 and Flossmoor District 161 sent similar messages home. All three districts said they are working in coordination with IDPH and CCDPH. In addition, they ask parents and students to follow guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The districts are all working to keep surfaces clean and following other hygiene protocols.
Bryant said events are on schedule, although a Special Olympics tournament had been canceled as a precaution.
The Homewood-Flossmoor Viking Jazz and Symphonic Winds are scheduled to travel to Poland, the Czech Republic and Austria over spring break the week of March 23. That trip is still on.