Newark City Schools was notified Monday, June 29, that a staff member at Newark High School has tested positive for COVID-19. We are releasing this notice to all NHS families to protect the safety and welfare of everyone.
We do not believe the staff member had prolonged contact with any students. We have contacted other staff members who may have been in close contact with the employee. They are not currently at work and have been tested for COVID-19. The staff member was briefly at work Monday before leaving to get the test. The employee was wearing a mask and was not showing symptoms but had been in close contact with another person who was showing symptoms.
According to health department guidelines, the risk is greatest when within 6 feet of a person for a continuous 15 minutes or more.
Although the risk is minimal, the district has sanitized the areas where the employee worked. As the school year ended, we have thoroughly cleaned all buildings with recommended materials to protect staff and students.
This is the first individual in the district to be diagnosed with COVID-19 that we know of. As the situation moves forward, we will continue communicating about future diagnoses as appropriate.
It is important for all families and employees to continue to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever greater than 100.4, cough and shortness of breath. If you think you may have some of the symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider.
Please visit the Licking County Health Department’s website for more information related to COVID-19.