Dept. of Education Complex on St. Croix Photo Credit: VI CONSORTIUM
The V.I. Department of Education said its main St. Croix complex, located at 2133 Hospital Street in Christiansted, will be closed until further notice due to one employee recently testing positive for Covid-19.
D.O.E said employees who may have been in direct, prolonged contact with the affected employee have been identified and are in quarantine, under the advisement of the V.I. Department of Health. The statement did not address employees who were in direct but not prolonged contact with the employee who tested positive. The CDC describes close contact as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated
The department said it took the following actions:
1. The D.O.E St. Croix Main Complex location will assume full telework mode, where applicable, until further notice. In the event telework is not feasible, the employee(s) will be placed on administrative leave. Employees shall not access the location until clearance is given from the department’s leadership.
2. The D.O.E. has begun the process of deep-cleaning and disinfecting all affected offices, restrooms and shared spaces. Additionally, deep cleaning will also be conducted before employees have been notified to return to work.
3. Employees were reminded that if they should become symptomatic, as defined by the CDC with a fever, shortness of breath, or cough, they should contact their health care provider and/or the V.I. Department of Health for further guidance.
4. Employees were reminded that if they should subsequently test positive for Covid-19, they should immediately inform their direct supervisor or the director of Human Resources in an effort to contain the exposure to other employees. These communications are confidential.
5. Employees were reminded to become familiar with all recommendations and preventative measures for Covid-19 at work and home, as established by the CDC and the V.I. Dept. of Health.
6. Employees were encouraged to contact the CIGNA Employee Assistance Program at 888-371-1125 or www.mycigna.com for stress and anxiety associated with the COVID-19 event and/or this potential exposure.
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