HCPS After Coronavirus In Harford: Stay Home If You Have A Fever

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — After a Harford County resident tested positive for the new coronavirus, Harford County Public Schools shared guidance to prevent the spread of illness.

If someone has a fever of 100 degrees or higher, the school system asks that individual stay home from school — whether the person is staff, student, parent/guardian or guest.

"Remember that you should not return to work or school until you have been fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication for at least 24 hours or as directed by your health care provider," according to Sunday's statement from Harford County Public Schools.

The guidance issued Sunday is more specific than the previous suggestion of staying home if one has a fever, in that it specifies 100 degrees Fahrenheit is the threshold.

Officials also asked people who think they may have been exposed with the new coronavirus to call the Maryland Emergency Management Agency call center at 410-517-3720 or 2-1-1 with questions.

Symptoms of the new coronavirus include fever, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing and pneumonia. The illness can result in anything from mild respiratory issues to death.

The Harford County woman who tested positive for the new coronavirus is in her 80s and has been hospitalized, according to Gov. Larry Hogan.

Harford County is hosting a news conference at 1 p.m. on Monday about the case of the novel coronavirus involving one of its residents. County Executive Barry Glassman reported he has been in touch with the governor's office about the new coronavirus case.

Hogan said he would hold a news conference to update Marylanders on the status of new coronavirus in the state at 3:30 p.m. on Monday.

Related: 2 New Coronavirus Cases In Maryland: Governor Hogan

Here is the full statement that Harford County Public Schools reports it will be issuing through its communication channels Sunday:

In light of the governor’s announcement confirming a case of COVID-19 in Harford County, we are reaching out to reassure you that we are continuing close and frequent conversations with the Harford County Health Department and continue to receive guidance from the Maryland Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control, or CDC.

Last week, we shared a list of things that we as a community can do in an effort to prevent spreading any illnesses. That list remains on the HCPS website. We also ask you to assist us and adhere to the following:

Staff, students, parents/guardians, and guests are asked to stay home from school if they have a fever of 100 degrees or higher. Remember that you should not return to work or school until you have been fever- free without the use of fever reducing medication for at least 24 hours or as directed by your healthcare provider.

The Maryland Department of Health encourages anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to call the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, or MEMA, at 410-517-3720, and asks that Maryland residents dial 2-1-1 with all other questions. We encourage you to follow the Harford County Health Department, Maryland Department of Health and CDC on their social media platforms for the most up to date information. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you in school tomorrow.