CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- A child has tested positive for COVID-19 after a possible exposure at a Chesterfield County daycare earlier this month.
The Childcare Network, located at 8210 Walmsley Boulevard, notified families of the positive test in an email Friday afternoon.
"This child was last in the building on Tuesday, June 16. Prior to and since then, our school has followed the rigorous health and safety protocols to guard against transmission, including screening for symptoms and cleaning/disinfecting frequently throughout each day," Childcare Network President Michelle Jones wrote in the letter.
Jones says that the Virginia Department of Health has been notified and the school is following its recommendations closely.
The daycare first alerted families that an employee tested positive on June 15. That staff member was last in the building on Friday, June 12, according to Jones.
Days later, the daycare reported additional cases of COVID-19.
The Childcare Network reopened on Tuesday, June 16 after the first positive test, but decided to close beginning Wednesday, June 17 due to possible COVID-19 exposure at the school.
"As of now, the school will reopen for everyone, except those in direct contact with the child, on Monday, June 29," Jones wrote. "Those families were notified earlier today. We ask that you continue to monitor your children for symptoms and per our safety screening, refrain from attending if required. Call your doctor if you or your child develop symptoms."
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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.