L.B.J. & C. Head Start on Pinewood Drive in Crossville confirmed a case of COVID-19 today in a letter sent to some parents of children attending the facility.

“This letter is to notify you that a case of COVID-19 has been reported at Pinewood L.B.J. & C. Head Start and we have identified your child as a close contact of that individual. Our school district follows Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Tennessee Department of Health guidelines for the management of individuals who have been diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19. Our head start follows these strict guidelines to protect the safety of our students, families and staff.

We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure the safest environment possible while continuing education to our students. When we can work quickly and collaboratively with the Tennessee Department of Health to identify and advise ill and exposed students and staff, we can avoid the need to close our schools.”

The letter then tells the parent their child was a close contact of someone infected with COVID-19. The child must quarantine at home for 14 days from the time of their last exposure to the subject. The child may not return to school or school activities while in quarantine. The date of exposure on the letter is November 5, 2020.

While the COVID-19 virus does not cause illness in every person who becomes infected, it is contagious. If a child is a close contact of an infected individual, they are at risk of getting sick or catching the coronavirus for up to 14 days after they last had contact with the individual that has the virus.

The letter ends with telling the parent if their child becomes ill to contact a medical provider for guidance. If the parent has any questions, contact the school or the health department.