South Huntington School Closed After Positive Coronavirus Test

HUNTINGTON STATION, NY — Countrywood Primary Center will be closed until Sept. 24 after a staff member tested positive for the coronavirus, the South Huntington School District stated on Monday. All students and staff will work remotely until then.

The staffer is experiencing mild to moderate symptoms and has not been in the school since last week, superintendent Dave Bennardo said. Contact tracing determined the infected staff member had a "unique position that requires contact with virtually every child in the school," Bennardo said. The measure will ensure all Countrywood students and adults have two full weeks of no symptoms before they return to the building.

"Please be reminded that this decision is overwhelmingly precautionary and not designed in any way to insinuate that large numbers of students or staff members have been infected," Bennardo wrote.

Any student or staff member who had more specific and extended interaction with the coronavirus-positive worker will be contacted by the Health Department and/or school district and told to quarantine and get tested, if necessary.

All students and staff were urged by Bennardo to continue to wear masks, follow social distancing guidelines, wash their hands and contact their health care provider if any COVID-19 symptoms arise.