District 209 families were notified via email on April 13 that individuals at both Proviso West High School and at Proviso Math and Science Academy (PMSA) in Forest Park have tested positive for COVID-19.
“We are coordinating our efforts with the Cook County Department of Public Health to promptly identify and monitor individuals who have had recent contact with the COVID-19 positive individual(s) to prevent further spread within our school and community,” wrote Superintendent James Henderson in the email.
Those who may have been in close contact with the individual have been contacted, he said.
The district is taking steps to prevent further spread of the disease, including quarantine for those “having prolonged close contact” with the individuals diagnosed with the virus; ongoing monitoring of students and staff for illness; and deep cleaning and disinfection of areas where the infected may have been.
Already in place within all three D209 schools are rules and guidelines to ensure the safety of students and staff. These guidelines include having a separate place for anyone with symptoms to go until they can be sent home, the requirement that face masks be worn at all times, and continuous sanitizing of high-touch areas, such as door handles and bannisters.
Henderson reminded families in his email that anyone with symptoms should stay home.
More information on District 209 is available at www.pths209.org.
