HENRY COUNTY, Alabama (WTVY) – After rumors of a COVID outbreak in the Henry County school system began to circulate, Superintendent Lori Beasley is setting the record straight.
News4 spoke to Beasley, who said the only thing being spread in her school system are these rumors.
“I know there have been quite a few rumors and I just want to dispel them,” Beasley said.
Superintendent Beasley said there has been no significant decline in attendance or reported illnesses that would indicate a COVID-19 outbreak in schools.
“This happens every year. There is nothing that happens in Henry County Schools that doesn’t happen at the start of school,” Beasley said.
Pediatrician Sarah Germanson agrees.
“It is normal for us to come into contact with viruses, germs and bacteria in our daily lives. This helps keep our immune systems fit and keep us healthy,” said Dr. Germanson.
The pediatrician said that if your child becomes infected with COVID-19, parents should closely monitor their child’s organism before sending him or her back to school.
“Similar to other viruses like the flu or other common respiratory viruses, they need to show signs of improvement, their respiratory needs to improve, not go away, but improve. Manageable at school and have at least 24 hours without fever without needing to take medications to reduce fever. 24 to 48 hours fever free. There is no longer a specific quarantine period for COVID-19, at least not for the strains we have right now. They seem to be very similar to other pediatric respiratory viruses,” said Dr. Germanson.
For children with asthma or diabetes, the recovery process may be a little more difficult, Dr. Germanson said.
Henry County Schools is following CDC guidelines on COVID-19, however, Superintendent Beasley explains that they are treating this virus like a cold or flu.
“I really want our sick kids out of school. Whether they have COVID, strep throat or some other virus, I just want us to be vigilant and make sure they don’t go to school when they’re sick,” Beasley said.
Both Beasley and Germanson stress the importance of parents making sure their children wash their hands, get enough sleep and drink plenty of fluids.
According to the CDC, an outbreak is only considered to be occurring when 20% of students are absent from a school due to COVID-19.
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