One Confirmed Case Of Covid-19 At A North Adams Public School

0/8/2020 Letter from Superintendent Malkas: One confirmed COVID-19 case.
From Superintendent Malkas.

Dear North Adams Students, Families, Staff and Community Members,

We would like to inform you that we have recently received information regarding one confirmed case of COVID-19 of a student or staff person in the North Adams Public Schools.

Cleaning and disinfecting of the exposed location have been completed per DPH and CDC guidance. Every individual with a potential exposure has been given instructions on the course of action they need to take, including self-isolating and testing if directed. Please note that all information, including the name(s) of ill persons, shared regarding any Public Health investigation is confidential in order to protect patient privacy.

The district has coordinated with the Department of Public Health to follow all recommendations. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Nurse Leader for the district, Lauren Gage at 413-662-3240 ext. 2303 or lgage@napsk12.org.

The letter was signed by the school superintendent Barbara Malkas

So If you are wondering why they don't name the person Under the HIPPA law, it specifically states that "The HIPAA Privacy Rule establishes national standards to protect individuals' medical records and other personal health information and applies to health plans, health care clearinghouses, and those health care providers that conduct certain health care transactions electronically.

The Rule requires appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of personal health information and sets limits and conditions on the uses and disclosures that may be made of such information without patient authorization.

The Rule also gives patients rights over their health information, including rights to examine and obtain a copy of their health records, and to request corrections"