Today, out of an abundance of caution, Garfield Re-2 School District has transitioned some classes at Rifle Middle School to online instruction based upon individual(s) who has been confirmed to have COVID-19, or who has/have COVID-19 like symptoms or illness.
Garfield Re-2 was made aware of the individual(s) that led to the quarantines on Sunday, November 8. Approximately 82 students and four educators are being asked to make this transition and quarantine for 14 days from the date of exposure. It is important to remember that there are approximately 528 students, or 87 percent of our Rifle Middle School students that have not had their learning disrupted.
Garfield Re-2 and all building administrators are working closely with Garfield County Public Health. As part of this public health investigations:
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The individuals diagnosed are being kept home from school until they are no longer infectious.
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The individuals activities when they could have spread COVID-19 have been assessed.
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The people who were close contacts of the person with COVID-19 have been instructed to stay home from school for 14 days after the exposure. This is called quarantine.
Any child that was in at least one class or group as the person diagnosed with COVID-19, must follow quarantine instructions and stay home from school for 14 days from the date of exposure.
Impacted students will transition to online instruction beginning Monday, November 9, and will not be allowed back to school until their quarantine period completes. Custodial staff will clean and disinfect the school and they are prepared for the return of non-impacted students and staff.
Anyone that develops symptoms consistent with COVID-19 including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea:
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Isolate until you/your child have had no fever for at least 24 hours (without the use of medicine that reduces fevers) AND,
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other symptoms have improved AND,
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At least 10 days have passed since you/your child were tested or your symptoms first appeared. A limited number of persons with severe illness may require an extended duration of isolation up to 20 days after symptoms first appear. (https://covid19.colorado.gov/how-to-isolate)
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Have your child tested.
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Continue to keep your child home from school and avoid other activities around other people.
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Notify the school.
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Seek medical care and testing for COVID-19, calling your doctor before you show up.
Questions can be directed to Garfield County Public Health 970-945-6614, or in Rifle at 970-625-5200.