Palos Verdes High School Student Tests Positive For Coronavirus

PALOS VERDES, CA — A Palos Verdes High School student tested positive for the new coronavirus, it was announced Monday.

Superintendent Alex Cherniss wrote a letter to the community that said the Palos Verdes Peninsula School District received the report from a parent of a Palos Verdes High School student who has tested positive for COVID-19.

"We believe this report to be credible," Cherniss said. "The District has notified the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) and we are awaiting further guidance. The District will take direction related to this situation and individuals from DPH."

A parent of two students within the district also tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the district announced in an email to parents Friday.

The parent has children who attend Silver Spur Elementary School and Valmonte Early Learning Academy, according to the district's email, which was posted on the city's official website.

"While this report has not been verified by the CDC, we have reason to believe that this report is accurate," the district said. "This parent alleges that they were notified by the hospital of a positive test for COVID-19."

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There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC's recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Related Coverage:

• Palos Verdes Peninsula USD Parent Has Coronavirus, District Says
• What You Need To Know About California's Lockdown Of Seniors And The Chronically Ill
• California Coronavirus: Live Updates On Cases, Updates, Closures