Numbers are down, hope is on the rise—we must “persevere with courage”
“Remember that it is not sufficient to have begun well; you must also persevere with courage and finish with resolution.” — Cornelia Connelly
There is a mix of news this week. The good news? Governor Newsom lifted the Regional Stay at Home health order earlier this week. Los Angeles County’s number of cases, positivity rate and hospitalizations continue to decrease. A new vaccine pilot program was started in L.A. County to help streamline the vaccination process. Vaccines are expected to be effective against most of the variant strains of COVID. The federal government has purchased an additional 200 million doses of vaccines. And Mayfield Senior School is partnering with four other area schools to coordinate vaccine clinics for our faculty and staff. But, with that good news comes the realization that L.A. County marked its one-year anniversary of the first case of COVID-19 on January 26. And, while the number of new cases is decreasing, it is still higher than it was during the summer surge that prevented us from returning to school in the fall. Eight additional MIS-C (multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children) cases were reported, bringing the total to 62.
Of the 62 children, 32% were between the ages of 12 and 20. All 62 children needed to be hospitalized and 45% required ICU care. As a reminder, MIS-C is a rare but serious condition associated with COVID-19. Symptoms include fever that does not go away, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes, or feeling extra tired. Most children with MIS-C either had COVID-19, or had been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Call your daughter’s doctor right away if she is showing symptoms of MIS-C or COVID-19.
L.A. County's COVID-19 vaccine website, VaccinateLACounty.com, is helping to pilot the state's new appointment registration platform, MyTurn.ca.gov. This feature is meant to be a one-stop shop that allows people to register to be notified when they’re eligible to receive vaccines, make appointments and find available vaccine sites in their area. People who don’t have a computer or internet access can call (833) 540-0473 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. to schedule appointments. Residents are also encouraged to call their primary care provider to check on their ability to offer vaccines.
With high case and positivity rates, more people within our Mayfield community are being affected by COVID-19. There is no shame and no blame in testing positive. This is a virus that knows no limits. There is no 100% effective way to prevent transmission other than everyone in a household staying home 100% of the time. We understand that this is impossible. We ask that you notify us if anyone in your household tests positive or if your daughter is considered a close contact. Because Mayfield is located in the City of Pasadena, we must follow the guidelines of Pasadena Public Health, which requires a 14-day quarantine period. Public health departments also recommend that family members and all close contacts of a positive case get tested 5-7 days after being exposed. This is to help identify asymptomatic or presymptomatic cases. We need to know if any student is in quarantine or tests positive. We have procedures in place to help support your daughter if she becomes sick or experiences other reactions to being in quarantine.
We are here to help,
Cathy Cota, RN, BSN, PHN
Remember the 3 Ws: wear a face covering, wash your hands, watch your distance
Avoid the 3 Cs: crowds, confined areas, close contact
Practice the 3 Rs: relationships, routines, reassurance
Practice the 3 Rs: relationships, routines, reassurance
Established in 1931, Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, CA is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women grades 9-12. Noted for its rigorous academic program, which includes 28 Advanced Placement and Honors courses, Mayfield’s curriculum is underscored by a philosophy of educating the “whole child,” which also encourages commitment to and excellence in the arts, athletics, community service and spiritual growth. The nurturing environment at Mayfield Senior School allows each student to flourish in an atmosphere of personal attention.
