Sedona-Oak Creek School District announced that a student recently tested positive for COVID-19. In an email to Sedona Red Rock High School pupils, parents and guardians that was sent the afternoon of Thursday, Nov. 12, SOCSD Assistant Principal Deana DeWitt wrote that the infected student had attended one class on campus that day, but could not release further details due to confidentiality concerns.

This marks the second COVID-19 case with a student at SRRHS, with a similar announcement going out to the families of the seventh through 12th grade students on Oct. 23. Those students that were thought to have been in contact with the positive COVID-19 student were asked to quarantine for two weeks, virtually learning from home. They would have been eligible to return on Friday, Nov. 6, or Monday, Nov. 9. It is not known whether the two instances are related.

The infected student and those who have come in close contact with that student [defined by the health department as being within six feet of an infected person for more than 15 minutes] will be asked to quarantine as before.

“To ensure your safety, we have taken steps to properly clean the facility,” DeWitt wrote in the letter. “The Yavapai County Community Health Services Department has determined that our facilities are not required to be closed at this time.”

She also included information for parents titled, “What This Means for You and Your Child:”

“You may receive a call from the health department. If you or your child were in close contact with this person, you will be contacted by the local health department. Being in close contact means that your child was within six feet of the sick individual for at least 15 minutes.

“You or your child may be required to be tested and may also be required to self-quarantine at home for up to 14 days. The local health department will notify you if this action is necessary.

“Stay home and contact your health care provider if you child is sick. We encourage you to continue social distancing, washing your hands, and monitoring symptoms. If at any time, you or your child begin to develop symptoms of COVID-19 [such as cough, shortness or breath, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell], please keep your child home and call your healthcare provider for next steps.

“It is recommended that you call ahead to your healthcare provider before going to the physician’s office, clinic, urgent care or emergency room so they can be prepared for your arrival. They may also refer you to a testing clinic.”