Yesterday it was reported in the Global Times that a man in Beijing’s Xicheng district had tested positive for COVID-19. He has since been sent to Beijing’s Ditan Hospital for treatment. Two of his family members have also been placed under observation, including one fourth-grade student at Yumin Primary School.
A total of 33 students and 15 staff members at Yumin Primary School have since all been put into self-quarantine at home. The case is still undergoing epidemiological investigation.
While the news of a possible outbreak is concerning, parents should remember that being placed under self-quarantine does not mean that those people have tested positive for COVID-19. In mid-February, the State Council’s Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism Against Covid-19 created a list of strict conditions that all schools needed to follow prior to re-opening, including provisions for this situation, described as: ‘Emergency Treatment of Suspected Virus Sufferers’.
Emergency Treatment of Suspected Virus Sufferers
21. If a staff member develops a fever, has a dry cough, fatigue, stuffy nose, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea or other symptoms, they should immediately alert their superior and promptly report to a designated hospital. Public transportation should be avoided and a proper medical-grade or higher mask should be worn en route.
22. If a student develops a fever, has a dry cough, fatigue, stuffy nose, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea or other symptoms, they should promptly alert the school and take appropriate measures.
23. Any suspected case of Covid-19 among staff or students should be reported immediately to the District Disease Prevention and Control Department, and cooperate with the relevant departments to manage all close contacts of the suspected case.
24. All of those who are living and studying with the affected person should be informed of risks and should seek medical advice promptly if symptoms such as fever or dry cough arise.
25. Designate a staff member to be responsible for monitoring the health of staff or students while under quarantine.
KEEP READING: Stringent Standards Set as Conditions for K-12 School Reopening
Photos: Global Times
