Southern 7 Head Start closed for COVID-19 cleaning

Southern Seven Head Start has temporarily closed its Metropolis Head Start Early Learning Center in Metropolis following one confirmed case of COVID-19 in the building.

Classes are expected to resume on Oct. 4 pending further investigation.

According to Head Start officials, the case was reported on Sept. 24 and families have been notified. More information will be shared with families as it becomes available.

According to Head Start officials, the temporary closure is a precautionary measure to provide time for cleaning and disinfecting of the building.

Southern Seven Health Department is working on contact tracing to identify people who may have been exposed to the coronavirus. Contact tracing helps identify those who may be at risk after someone tests positive, to let them know what symptoms to watch for, reduces their exposures to others and slows the spread of COVID-19.

Should you be identified by S7HD as a possible contact, your cooperation is appreciated. Anyone with questions regarding possible exposure can call S7HD at (618) 634-2297.

The Health Department reports that COVID-19 continues being spread by community transmission at alarming rates within the Southern 7 region. This virus can have been transmitted up to 48 hours before a person has symptoms. Anyone who is unvaccinated and has been at gatherings where little to no safety measures were in place is at risk of contracting COVID-19.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, a new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

If you begin to show symptoms, isolate immediately and contact your health care provider about getting tested for COVID-19. For more information, call (618) 634-2297 or visit www.southern7.org/coronavirus.