Unionville- Chadds Ford School District Superintendent John Sanville has ordered Unionville High and CF Patton Middle schools closed today because a student was reportedly exposed to COVID-19. The order came after the school board adopted a pandemic action plan during it’s March 9 work session.
In a letter on the district website, Sanville wrote:
“The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District has been advised that a UCFSD student was indirectly exposed to COVID-19 during a visit to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia facility in King of Prussia on March 6, 2020. As a precaution, the student and their family are under quarantine for 14 days. Out of an abundance of caution, Unionville High School and Patton Middle School will be closed on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, for deep cleaning.
“The Chester County Health Department has advised us that the individual poses no risk of transmission since they are not showing any symptoms at this time, however, we feel we need to be vigilant and proactive in this matter. While the District already has enhanced cleaning protocols, cleaning crews will pay special attention to high- touch areas and use our Protexus spray system to disinfect classrooms and common areas.
“We understand that this issue is sensitive and complex. We are doing everything possible to keep our students, staff, and community safe. Thank you for your ongoing understanding in light of this developing public health concern. As this is a fluid situation, we will keep the lines of communication open and reach out again once we have more information.”
Earlier in the evening, U-CF School Board members adopted a pandemic action plan, which can be viewed here.
The plan authorizes schools closed if need be. Short of closures, it also authorizes mandatory 14-day quarantines for staff or students with a confirmed case or living with someone with a confirmed case, of the virus. There is also a 14-day quarantine for staff or students who have traveled to or from a CDC designated level 3 area.
During the board’s work session — before the shutdown — Sanville said the district was in phase 1.5 of the three-phase plan. That level would have kept schools open. He announced the closure toward the end of the meeting.
