Sharon Resident Tests 'Presumptive Positive' For Coronavirus

SHARON, MA – Sharon Public Schools remain open Tuesday after a resident with family members who work for and attend the schools tested "presumptive positive" for coronavirus. Sharon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Victoria Greer said the family has self-quarantined, but that "we do not anticipate that there is a need to close any school at this time."

Dr. Greer said the person with the presumptive positive test attended an 11th-grade move-up ceremony at the school on March 5, and that everyone who was in close proximity to that person has been notified. She asked that those people monitor themselves closely for any flu-like symptoms over the next 14 days.

"We will continue to monitor this situation very closely," Dr. Greer said in a statement to the school community. "As a precautionary measure, we have begun planning, and will continue to plan for, the potential of any long-term school closures that will result in the need for alternative learning plans for students."

Dr. Greer said all Sharon Public Schools and transportation underwent a deep cleaning and sanitation this weekend.

"It is important to emphasize that the risk for exposure to this virus remains extremely low," Dr. Greer said. "As with the common cold and the seasonal flu, the likelihood of contracting the virus is significantly reduced by taking simple precautions, such as washing hands frequently with soap, avoiding close contact with others, and wiping surfaces with disinfectants. Each of us should be vigilant about these measures and monitor ourselves for any flu-like symptoms. Of course, any adult or student who exhibits symptoms should stay home from school and seek medical attention."

Sharon Fire Chief James Wright joined town officials in a video statement. He said all emergency vehicles are sanitized after every run, and that those who call for an ambulance due to flu-like symptoms are asked to notify the dispatcher and crews that you believe there is a possibility you may have the coronavirus.

"It's not time to panic," Chief Wright said. "It's time to practice good hygiene."

(More on the coronavirus can be found in this fact sheet from the CDC.)

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that include the common cold as well as much more serious diseases. The strain that emerged in China in late 2019, now called COVID-19, is related to others that have caused serious outbreaks in recent years, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. was on Jan. 21.

The disease, which apparently originated in animals, is now transferring from person to person, although the mechanism is not yet fully understood. Its symptoms include fever, coughing and shortness of breath, and many patients develop pneumonia. There is as yet no vaccine against COVID-19 it and no antiviral treatment.

According to the CDC, the best way of preventing the disease is to avoid close contact with people who are sick, to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and to use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. To avoid spreadingany respiratory illness, the CDC recommends staying at home when you are sick, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throwing the tissue in the trash, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

(Don't miss updates about precautions in Patchtown as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.)