PG County Basketball Coach, Counselor Dies From Coronavirus

HYATTSVILLE, MD — Terrance Burke, Northwestern High School's head basketball coach and a counselor at the school in Hyattsville, has died from the coronavirus, school officials said Saturday. Monica Goldson, chief executive officer of the Prince George's County Public Schools, shared the news of Burke's death about 2 p.m. Saturday.

"With a heavy heart, I am sad to share the news that Mr. Terrance Burke, Northwestern High School Professional School Counselor and head basketball coach, has died from the coronavirus (COVID-19)," Goldson said in an email. "I know this news is devastating and shocking to many in the Northwestern High School community and all who knew and loved him. Please know that my heart is breaking with yours and I am praying for your strength and comfort during this time."

School psychologists and professional school counselors from the school district will provide counseling and support to students and staff remotely for as long as needed, Goldson said.

The number of coronavirus cases in Maryland increased by 218 from Friday to Saturday morning. That brings the total number of cases in the state to 992, Gov. Larry Hogan said.

For updates on the coronavirus in Maryland, get Patch news alerts.

"Please join me in extending our deepest sympathies to Mr. Burke’s family, friends, colleagues and the countless young lives that he impacted during his many years at Northwestern High School and throughout the PGCPS community," Goldson wrote. "We will make it through this time together. Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones."

Friends and family shared their condolences on Twitter.

Prince George's County Public Schools is following the state's order that all schools in Maryland remain closed through April 24. On Thursday, school leaders said they were conducting a survey of elementary students and secondary students about their access to technology. Goldson asked families to complete the survey by Friday, adding that PGCPS would begin calling families who did not respond to the survey starting on Monday, March 30.

PGCPS is continuing its grab-and-go meal service program. It's also distributing enrichment packets using its website, social media channels, alerts, text messages and PGCPS-TV (Verizon 38/Xfinity 96).

Also Read: PG County Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

School officials will continue to consult with county and state health departments on next steps for guidance on preventative measures, reporting protocols and communication. These social distancing measures and other steps can help minimize the spread of the coronavirus:

• Stay at home as much as possible. If you must go out, maintain a 6-foot distance from others.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds on both sides and between your fingers.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid people who are ill.
• Disinfect high-contact surfaces, such as door knobs and tables.

Related: Dramatic Increase' To 992 MD Coronavirus Cases: Hogan

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends, if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call a healthcare provider for medical advice.

For more information, visit www.pgcps.org/coronavirus.

The Maryland Department of Health has shared this overview of the virus and how to be safe:

What are risk factors for serious illness from COVID-19?

Older people, age 60 and above, and those with pre-existing medical conditions have a higher risk
for serious illness from COVID-19. Examples of pre-existing medical conditions include: cancer,
diabetes, heart disease or other conditions impacting the immune system’s ability to fight germs.

How does COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 is thought to be able to spread like the cold or flu through:
• coughing and sneezing, which creates respiratory droplets
• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching an object or surface with the virus on it

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
• Fever
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• In more severe cases, pneumonia (infection in the lungs)

What should I do if I think I am sick with COVID-19?
If you become sick with fever, cough or have difficulty breathing, contact your health care
provider, especially if you are over 60 years of age or have pre-existing medical conditions. If you
do not have a health care provider, contact your local health department.

Follow these steps:
• Call your health care provider, local health department or emergency room before you go
• Tell them about your symptoms, any recent travel and close contacts (such as people in
your household)
• Wear a mask, if one is available

If someone has COVID-19, what will happen to them?
The vast majority of people recover from this infection. Most people will have mild or moderate
symptoms. Most people may be advised to recover at home and isolate themselves from others.
These individuals should call their physicians or health care practitioners if their symptoms get
worse.

Some COVID-19 infections can lead to serious illness, and in some cases death. If someone has a
more serious illness from COVID-19, they may be admitted to the hospital.

Read more:

• PG County Extends School Closures Due To Coronavirus
• 5 MoCo Nursing Home Residents, Staff Have Coronavirus
• 4 Montgomery Co. Fire And Rescue Members Positive For Coronavirus
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