Spaulding student tests positive for COVID; remote learning set for next week

ROCHESTER - Rochester Public School officials are reporting they have learned of a positive case of COVID-19 at Spaulding High School.

The student is self-quarantining in accordance with New Hampshire DHHS guidelines.

The student has not been in school since Sept. 9, and the student will be able to return to school on Sept. 24 if they are cleared by DHHS. No Rochester Middle School students are believed to be impacted by this case. Under state and federal privacy laws, no further information is available about the student.

Out of an abundance of caution, all Spaulding High School students will participate in remote learning instead of in-person learning for the week of Sept. 21. For any technology needs, please contact your school administrator at 603-332-0757.

The district is actively working with and following guidelines from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The district will be working with DHHS to identify and contact all close contacts of the positive individual. Those who are identified as a close contact (anyone who was within 6 feet of the infected individual up to two days prior to the positive test result) will be contacted by DHHS and required to quarantine for at least two weeks.

Specific quarantine plans will be provided to those affected. Those families and staff will be directed to get tested and keep themselves or their children quarantined until 14 days following their last possible exposure. If you do not receive a call from DHHS, this means you have not been identified as a close contact and you are not required to quarantine.

If you or your child are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, such as a fever, chills, respiratory illness, aches or change in taste and smell, please stay home and get a COVID-19 test.

Testing can be done either through your primary healthcare provider or at one of the testing sites located throughout the state. Those getting tested should bring this letter with them as well.