District worker tests positive

The positive test for novel coronavirus on an employee means others are being notified

A worker for Sheffield-Sheffield Lake City Schools has tested positive for novel coronavirus, according to a social media announcement from the district.

Meanwhile, Lorain County has 14 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to Lorain County Public Health. The number was updated as of 2 p.m. March 21.

Lorain County Health Commissioner David Covell said residents should assume the virus has spread throughout the county.

If residents are showing mild symptoms, they do not necessarily have to rush to the doctor, Covell said. If residents are feeling sick, Covell advised them to stay home to avoid spreading the disease.

He also encouraged those feeling well to help each other.

“Please, help your neighbor and together we can get through this,” he said in the county health department’s latest update video.

Sheffield-Sheffield Lake City School announced the diagnosis the evening of March 20

“We have been informed today that an employee of the Sheffield-Sheffield Lake City School District from Brookside High School/Middle School has tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus),” said the announcement on the district’s official Facebook page. “Unfortunately we knew it was only a matter of time before this could happen.

“We felt it was important that you heard from the school first before you heard about it elsewhere,” the post said. It did not include details about the worker’s state of health, personal information or location.

“Be assured that we are working closely with Lorain County Public Health regarding persons that may have been exposed,” the school district announcement said.

People who were at risk of prolonged exposure were to be contacted directly by The Lorain County Public Health Department, according to the school district. Most of those people were contacted by afternoon of March 20.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and also with all of our families at this time,” the school district announcement said.

According to The Lorain County Public Health Department, this virus is moving through the county through “community spread.”

Help slow the spread of COVID-19 by taking the following precautions:

• Stay 6 feet away from others

• Avoid large gatherings

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Wash your hands with soap and water; use hand sanitizer if not available.

• Cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve or tissue when you sneeze or cough.

• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes with unwashed hands.

• Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy immune system.

• Offer to help a neighbor in need, even if it is just a phone call.