An elementary school student in Avon has tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the school district schedule an e-learning day for Monday and close the student's school for two weeks.
The Hendricks County Health Department notified Avon Community Schools Sunday night that a student attending Hickory Elementary has tested positive for the illness caused by the new coronavirus. Earlier in the day, the Indiana State Department of Health confirmed an adult in the same county had tested positive for the illness.
In a message posted on its website Monday, the Avon school disitrict said Hickory Elementary School will remain closed through Friday, March 20, at the recommendation of the State Health Commissioner and Hendricks County Health Department. The students and staff will then be allowed to return on April 6, following the district's spring break.
"It is our intent to provide our Hickory students with ongoing learning opportunities, which may include e-learning and other experiences," the statement said.
The school district says questions about the virus should be directed to the Hendricks County Health Department at 317-745-9222.
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Full text of the message from Avon Community School Corporation posted on March 9, 2020:
"On Sunday, March 8th at 10:25 p.m. Avon Community School Corporation was notified by the Hendricks County Health Department that a student from Hickory Elementary has tested positive for COVID-19/Coronavirus. The law directs us to keep student medical information confidential.
The Health Department received the positive test result late Sunday evening and shared it with us immediately. Because this information just became available, we believe it is prudent to exercise our option to have an e-Learning day on Monday, March 9th for the entire school district.
Although it is not required, the State Health Commissioner and Hendricks County Health Department have recommended that Hickory Elementary School be closed for two weeks through Friday, March 20th. It is our intent to provide our Hickory students with ongoing learning opportunities, which may include e-learning and other experiences. Hickory students and staff will be able to return on Monday, April 6th, following Spring Break.
We appreciate the guidance and collaboration provided by the Indiana Department of Health, the Hendricks County Health Department and the Indiana Department of Education.
Questions should be directed to the Hendricks County Health Department at 317-745-9222."
