CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. – A Chesterfield County daycare is reporting additional cases of COVID-19 after first reporting an employee tested positive earlier this week.
In an email to parents, the Childcare Network notified families that they have learned of “some additional positive cases.” The daycare, located at 8210 Walmsley Boulevard, did not specify if additional employees or children tested positive.
On Monday, Childcare Network President Michelle Jones wrote a letter to families saying they learned that a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. That that member was last in the building on Friday, June 12, according to Jones.
The daycare opened Tuesday after following “rigorous health and safety protocols to guard against transmission, including screening for symptoms and cleaning/disinfecting frequently throughout each day,” Jones wrote.
The school decided to close on Wednesday, June 17, and Thursday, June 18 due to possible COVID-19 exposure at the school.
“We consider all of our children and families as part of our own family and want only what is best for everyone’s health and well-being. We recommend that you get your child(ren) tested and continue to monitor them for symptoms,” Jones wrote to parents.
Jones says they have decided to keep the school closed until Monday, June 29.
COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.Avoid non-essential travel.