Dear Leyden Community,
Over the past 24 hours we have been made aware of two additional cases of COVID-19 within the Leyden Community. One case involves a West Leyden student and the other case is an East Leyden parent. The student case is unrelated to the staff member we recently reported. We cannot and will not share any specific information about those individuals.
I have been in contact with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Cook County Health Department regarding both of these cases. After speaking with one of their epidemiologists, I was told that both cases are considered “low risk” to our school community. This is because we have been out of school for such a long period and because symptoms only presented themselves recently.
As our schools have now been closed for 14 days, we will not be giving any additional updates about new cases. We are currently relying on self-reported data and we cannot always confirm what we are hearing, nor can we be aware of cases that are not reported to us. Please refer to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for the most recent information.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided substantial guidance on managing COVID-19; please check the CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov and talk with your personal healthcare provider if you have questions. In summary, the CDC notes:
Most people who get sick with COVID-19 will have only mild illness and should recover at home. Older adults (over age 60 years) and people of any age with certain serious underlying medical conditions like lung disease, heart disease or diabetes are at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness and should seek care as soon as symptoms start.
Most people who have exposure to COVID-19 or have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 do not require testing for COVID-19. Right now, the IDPH is recommending testing only for individuals who require hospitalization or for people who are part of a cluster of two or more possible or confirmed cases in a residential setting, such as an assisted living facility, group home, homeless shelter or correctional setting. Depending on symptoms, exposure and testing availability, your personal healthcare provider may be able to arrange testing at a commercial lab.
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. Stay in isolation at home until at least seven days after symptoms started AND three days after fever resolves (without any fever medications like Tylenol) AND symptoms are getting better.
You can locate more information about COVID-19 at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
Thank you for the efforts of everyone in the Leyden community.

As we enter spring break next week, please know that we will continue to provide breakfast and lunch as we have been for the past two weeks.
Sincerely,
Dr. Nick Polyak
Superintendent