Clifton Middle School Cleared of COVID-19 Link by Public Health

On Friday evening, Monrovia Unified School District (MUSD) sent out a statement informing parents that Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) cleared Clifton Middle School on March 6 of any link to possible exposure to COVID-19.

The parent and children who self-isolated afterthe parent, who works the health industry, was in contact with an individualwho had been exposed to COVID-19 have also been cleared of exposure, accordingto district officials.

MUSD Superintendent Katherine Thorossian wrotein the statement, “I’d like to thank our community for their patience,understanding and cooperation as Monrovia Unified administrators and officialstook steps to ensure our students could pursue their academic goalsuninterrupted on March 5.”

Last Wednesday evening, March 4, Clifton Middle School underwent a “deep cleaning” after it was known that a school parent had been exposed to COVID-19. The school was operating as usual Thursday morning.

MUSD continues to work with Public Health inpromoting the following healthy practices from the Centers for Disease Control(CDC):

• Hygiene: Make sure everyone washes their hands thoroughly for approximately 20 seconds. If possible, cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and discard. Use your elbow when necessary. Use a greater than 60 percent alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you can’t immediately wash your hands.
• Stay home when sick: Students who demonstrate symptoms of a virus should remain home until cleared to return to school. Students who show symptoms at school will be sent home.
• Limit contact: The CDC urges people to avoid close contact with people who are sick and to avoid touching one’s eyes, nose and mouth. All students are encouraged to observe safe distances and replace hugs and handshakes with elbow bumps.
• Clean spaces: Clean and disinfect surfaces and frequently touched objects. MUSD will conduct additional deep cleanings of schools as needed.
• Facemasks: The CDC does not recommend facemasks for people who are well. People who show symptoms of a respiratory illness may wear masks to prevent the spread of the disease to others. For more information about facemasks, visit the CDC website.

As more COVID-19 cases are seen in Los Angeles County, Thorossian says MUSD will “act immediately if any news comes to light about new risk of exposure at our schools.”

More from Education