Montgomery County Public Schools: Community Notification: COVID-19 Cases At Walt Whitman High School

Press release from Montgomery County Public Schools:

March 22, 2021

Dear Walt Whitman High School Community, Dear Walt Whitman High School Community, This letter is to inform you that two members of the Walt Whitman High School (WWHS) community have tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). One individual was last present on the WWHS campus on March 16, 2021 and the other individual has not participated in activities on campus at all. Following guidance from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it has been determined there has been no risk of exposure to other students or staff on-site. This letter is to inform you that two members of the Walt Whitman High School (WWHS) community have tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). One individual was last present on the WWHS campus on March 16, 2021 and the other individual has not participated in activities on campus at all. Following guidance from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it has been determined there has been no risk of exposure to other students or staff on-site. Based on the contact tracing guidelines, staff and students do not need to be tested or quarantine as they were not in direct contact with the person who tested positive for COVID-19. Direct contact is defined as:  Based on the contact tracing guidelines, staff and students do not need to be tested or quarantine as they were not in direct contact with the person who tested positive for COVID-19. Direct contact is defined as: 

• being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of an individual with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time (e.g., being in the same office or classroom as a positive and symptomatic individual), or

• having direct contact with the infectious secretions from an individual with COVID-19 (e.g., being coughed on).

being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of an individual with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time (e.g., being in the same office or classroom as a positive and symptomatic individual), or being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of an individual with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time (e.g., being in the same office or classroom as a positive and symptomatic individual), or having direct contact with the infectious secretions from an individual with COVID-19 (e.g., being coughed on). having direct contact with the infectious secretions from an individual with COVID-19 (e.g., being coughed on). Note: The definition of “close contact” does not include all other individuals on the same floor or in the same building as a positive individual, unless they also meet criteria (1) or (2). We encourage you to closely monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. If any of these symptoms develop, please stay home and do not report in-person to the school building. You should contact your healthcare provider immediately for advice. Please contact the school if there is a development of  COVID-19-like symptoms. Staff or students who develop symptoms, or test positive for COVID-19, will not be able to  return to the building until they are medically cleared. As a reminder, here are the steps that we can all take to keep ourselves, families and school community safe:

• Wear a mask, or appropriate face covering, at all times when in school and other public spaces.

Wear a mask, or appropriate face covering, at all times when in school and other public spaces. Wear a mask, or appropriate face covering, at all times when in school and other public spaces. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before and after eating. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before and after eating. Cover your cough and/or sneeze and immediately wash your hands for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. Cover your cough and/or sneeze and immediately wash your hands for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. Practice physical distancing and keep 6 feet away from others when possible. Practice physical distancing and keep 6 feet away from others when possible. Stay home if you are sick. Stay home if you are sick. Visit montgomeryschoolsmd.org/COVID19 and montgomerycountymd.gov/COVID19 for additional information. Visit montgomeryschoolsmd.org/COVID19 and montgomerycountymd.gov/COVID19 for additional information. We appreciate your cooperation as we work to maintain a safe and healthy school environment.    Sincerely, Robert W. Dodd, EdD Principal Walt Whitman High School 

This press release was produced by Montgomery County Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.