SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — In a letter to parents The South Dakota Department of Health warned of possible transmission after a student tested positive for COVID-19 at Whittier Middle School in Sioux Falls. They asked that parents be watchful of children with symptoms for the next 14 days, and stated that if their child has been identified as being in contact with the infected they will be personally contacted by SD-DOH.
Symptoms include:
| ● Fever or chills | ● Headache |
| ● Cough | ● Loss of taste or smell |
| ● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing | ● Sore Throat |
| ● Fatigue | ● Congestion or runny nose |
| ● Muscle or body aches | ● Nausea, Vomiting or Diarrhea |
The COVID-19 virus is spread from person-to-person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Spread is more likely to occur when people are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes).
If your child develops symptoms of any contagious disease, including COVID-19, do not send him/her to school. If a healthcare provider is contacted, follow all directions on care and testing.
Precautions to avoid illness:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects
- Individuals at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness, such as older adults or people who have chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease, should take actions to reduce your risk of exposure (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html)
For more information on COVID-19, South Dakota’s Information Line can be reached at (800) 997-2880 or visit https://covid.sd.gov/.
(Liz Ryan contributed to this report.)
