Castle Rock Charter School staff member contracts COVID-19

A staff member at Castle Rock Charter School tested positive for COVID-19 Aug. 21.

According to the Del Norte Unified School District, there have been no other exposures at Castle Rock because of remote learning.

“At this time, the infected staff member has not come in contact with any staff or students on campus or at any other school in our county,” Del Norte County Office of Education spokesman Michael Hawkins said. “According to Castle Rock administration, cleaning and disinfecting of the exposed location will be completed immediately.”

Hawkins explained that the County Office of Education oversees Castle Rock, rather than the DNSD, although both jurisdictions share offices and staff.

Hawkins said although he did not know if the infected staff member was a teacher, Federal FERPA and HIPAA legislation required to him to keep most of the information regarding this case confidential by law.

He did confirm the the individual had started isolation for at least 10 days and is being monitored by Del Norte County Public Health officials for contact tracing.

“As the coronavirus situation in our county and country continues to develop, we urge you to take necessary precautions to limit the spread of coronavirus in our community,” Hawkins said. “We wish the affected Castle Rock staff member a quick recovery.”

He added to learn more about DNCOE’s response procedures for COVID-19, go to DNUSD.org or view their COVID-19 response flow chart directly at bit.ly/3hrrIlU.