U-46 Preschool Student Tests Positive For Coronavirus

COOK COUNTY, IL — A preschool student at U-46's Independence Center for Early Learning in Bartlett has tested positive for coronavirus. The center, which offers an early childhood program to children ages 3 to 5 years old, has been closed since last Friday as part of a government-mandated statewide shutdown.

The student has been isolated and remains self-quarantined to prevent the spread of the virus, Superintendent Tony Sanders wrote in a letter to parents and staff Thursday. The student's identity is not being released due to health privacy laws.

"Please keep this student in your thoughts and prayers and please respect the student and his/her family during this incredibly difficult time," Sanders wrote. "We will provide you with as much information and updates as possible."

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Meanwhile, U-46 officials are making plans in case they need to remain closed beyond March 30, which is the date Gov. JB Pritzker set as the earliest for schools to reopen.

"However, we will await further guidance from the Governor and state health officials on whether schools will remain closed past March 30," according to U-46 officials.

U-46 Urges Measures To Stop Spread Of COVID-19

The coronavirus is thought to be spread via person-to-person contact through contaminated air droplets from coughing and sneezing by an infected person.

Parents with U-46 are urged to talk to their children about taking the following measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the restroom and before preparing or consuming food. Using soap and hot water, wash for about 20 seconds. Be sure to also wash your fingertips.
• Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands or in the air. Always try to cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough/sneeze into your arm.
• As much as you can, avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
• Practice social distancing. That means stay at home and if you are with others outside your family, maintain a distance of three to six feet. Avoid any gatherings of 10 or more people.

The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the regular seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, and coughing. Some people with coronavirus have reported additional symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

In some situations, the virus can develop into pneumonia, according to U-46.

"Individuals who need medical care should call their medical provider to report their illness prior to seeking care at a clinic, physician’s office, or hospital," according to U-46. "If your healthcare provider approves testing, generally for those showing symptoms or those who have other special at-risk conditions, then healthcare providers will issue a referral and information about testing locations."

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