MCPS Remains Open After 3 County Residents Contract Coronavirus

BETHESDA, MD — Montgomery County Public Schools said it won't be shutting its doors after learning that three residents have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

"As you know, we have been preparing for this situation through our interagency coordination with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security," the school district said Thursday. "At this time, we are following guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services and our schools will remain open."

MCPS said state officials do not believe the individuals had contact with students.

"As we move forward, we are preparing for the possibility of school closures in the future should this become necessary," MCPS said. "We encourage all MCPS families to remain vigilant through this situation and consult your health provider if you are experiencing symptoms that you may believe are related to the coronavirus."

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Gov. Larry Hogan announced that three Montgomery County residents tested positive for the new coronavirus, or COVID-19. The patients, a woman in her 50s and a married couple in their 70s, reportedly contracted the disease while on an overseas trip. Maryland officials did not specify where they traveled.

"While today's news may seem overwhelming, this is not a reason to panic," Hogan said. "Marylanders should go to work or go to school just as they normally do. At the same time, I want to continue to remind everyone to prepare themselves and to continue to stay informed."

Hogan declared a state of emergency in Maryland, directing the Maryland Department of Health and Maryland Emergency Management Agency to "ramp up" coordination among state and local agencies and "fast-track" the state's response to the illness.

Now a "very thorough investigation" is underway into their activities and "comings and goings," Fran Phillips, Maryland's deputy health secretary, said.

The federal government, Montgomery County Health Department, and state health officials are looking at what happened during the period of time between when they returned from their trip on Feb. 20 and experienced flu-like symptoms, according to Phillips, who described the individuals as very cooperative.

All three are improving, according to Phillips, who stated Thursday night: "Their symptoms are abating." They are not leaving their homes as they recover from the illness, she said.