Dear Greens Farms Academy Community,
As promised in my previous communication regarding COVID-19, we have been carefully monitoring its progress and any new developments. In an effort to be as transparent as possible, I wanted to share an update to keep you well-informed, though no action is required of us at this point.
As many of you may be aware, a case of COVID-19 was recently identified in Westchester County. We learned this evening that a prospective student who attended yesterday's Revisit Day currently attends a school in Westchester County, where a fellow student recently tested positive for COVID-19. The prospective student in question has had no known exposure to the infected student, has had no symptoms, and remains non-symptomatic. That student is now under self-quarantine, as are all students at that school.
Upon learning this information earlier this evening, we were in contact with our local public health officials who stated that the risk for anyone at GFA to contract the virus remains "extremely low." Our school medical advisor noted "given that the student visiting had had no direct exposure with the patient and no symptoms, GFA should remain vigilant about cleaning and monitoring the health of everyone in the community." Mark Cooper, the Director for the Westport-Weston Health District advised that school should continue as usual.
GFA follows the green cleaning regulations which are in accordance with Connecticut and U.S. E.P.A standards. Over the last week, we have elevated our cleaning standards to include a nightly deep cleaning of classrooms, common areas, restrooms, locker rooms, and high touch surfaces such as doorknobs, cabinet pulls, and light switches. The upcoming March break also affords us the opportunity to do additional deep cleaning of our facilities.
I recognize the potential risk of unnecessarily elevating levels of anxiety and fear. However, one of the things I prize most about our community is our shared commitment to partnership and trust. We will continue to share information as we have it in as transparent a fashion as we can.
I look forward to seeing Lower and Middle School parents in our halls for conferences tomorrow, and to greeting our Upper School students in the morning.
Bob Whelan 'P24 Head of School Greens Farms Academy | 35 Beachside Avenue | Westport, CT 06880 |