Please see attached letter for important health information

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK

1011 FIRST AVENUE, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022 PHONE (212) 371-1000 FAX: (212) 758-3018 MR. MICHAEL J. DEEGAN, SUPERINTENDENT

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We hope this letter finds you and your family healthy. The Health and Safety Task Force of the Office of the Superintendent of Schools felt it important to share new information, based upon materials from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.”

Health experts in New York and across the country are investigating cases of Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS). This new health condition has been appearing in children in New York City and elsewhere. Investigations are also being conducted into the possible association between PMIS and COVID-19 in children. Some doctors think the condition is related to having COVID-19, but the connection is still not clear. Linked here is a Fact Sheet from the NYC Health Department which I encourage you to review.

PMIS is a rare condition; however, because it is life-threatening, it is vital to know the signs. Most children have a persistent, high fever lasting several days, along with other symptoms, including:

• Irritability or sluggishness

• Abdominal pain without another explanation

• Diarrhea

• V omiting

• Rash

• Conjunctivitis, or red or pink eyes

• Enlarged lymph node (“gland”) on one side of the neck

• Red, cracked lips or red tongue that looks like a strawberry

• Swollen hands and feet, which might also be red

  You should call your doctor if your child becomes ill and has had continued fever. Your doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and use that information to recommend next steps. As always, if your child is severely ill, you should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 immediately.

  Although it is not yet known whether it is associated with COVID-19, it is essential parents and children take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  For regularly updated information about the coronavirus crisis as it relates to our schools, please continue to visit our website CatholicSchoolsNY.org.

  Sincerely,

  Mr. Michael J. Deegan Superintendent of Schools Archdiocese of New York

WWW.CATHOLICSCHOOLSNY.ORG