Coronavirus: Pleasantville Middle School Goes Remote For 2 Weeks

PLEASANTVILLE, NY — Middle-schoolers in Pleasantville are in virtual classes today, and will stay remote for two weeks.

District Superintendent Mary Fox-Alter announced over the weekend that one person was confirmed positive for coronavirus and another has a suspected case.

Working with the Westchester Health Department, they confirmed the cases. The two people are currently isolating. District officials would not release further information about their identity, citing federal health privacy laws.

Fox-Alter said students and staff who were exposed to either or both are being contacted. Any parent who did not receive a message over the weekend should assume their child is not believed to have a risk of exposure. "

Those exposed to this individual will be mandated to quarantine for 14 days from the last exposure date," she said on the website. Anyone exposed should be tested for COVID-19, however not until at least five days after a person's last date of exposure.

Though the Westchester Department of Health agreed that the district's current practices will prove to be a very important step in keeping people safe and the risk low, she said district officials decided a conservative, precautionary approach was the best way forward, specially since other parts of the Hudson Valley are reporting increases in coronavirus cases.

"Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, the Middle School will be on a full remote schedule through and including Friday, October 16. Eight live in person-days will convert to eight live remote days," she said.

The district is also adding to its health screening forms for parents, to include a question on whether or not someone in your home is awaiting test results.

Taking temperatures is not reliable as a single measure as it does not capture pre-symptomatic signs and symptoms, she said.

"It is in the best health interests of our community that individuals who respond yes to any of the questions on the form that they do NOT leave the home and follow-up with their health care provider," she said. "Also, please continue to wear a mask in school, on our grounds, and in the community."