A Northwest R-1 School District staff member has tested positive for COVID-19, the district announced on today (Aug. 31).
“We are not releasing information about the person due to privacy laws; however, the health and safety of our students, staff and their families remain our highest priority,” Superintendent Desi Kirchhofer said in the written announcement.
The staff member was last on the school campus on Aug. 28, the district reported.
“At this time, close contacts or individuals who were within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes, which are guidelines administered by the Jefferson County Health Department, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have been contacted directly by the district and will not be returning until the end of the required quarantine period,” Kirchhofer said.
Typically, a quarantine period lasts 14 days.
The district said the district “thoroughly cleaned and disinfected” all areas where the staff member had been in the school.
Kirchhofer said he urges parents to monitor children for any symptoms.
“While we make every effort to provide a safe and healthy environment for our students and staff, there are risks to participating in group activities, such as school and athletics,” Kirchhofer said. “Therefore, we cannot guarantee students or faculty members will not be exposed to the virus or those who may have been affected; but, we will continue to prioritize the safety of everyone and make every effort to minimize risks.”
