Fredericksburg Seniors Attend Graduation, Test Positive For Virus

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Five seniors from Fredericksburg's James Monroe High School tested positive for the coronavirus and had attended a graduation ceremony on June 15.

Fredericksburg City Public Schools informed families in a letter Friday. According to a preliminary investigation from the Rappahannock Area Health District, others attending the ceremony may have had direct exposure.

According to the Free-Lance Star, graduates could sign up for individual times over three days to receive diplomas on stage. There was a designated area for family to watch the moment.

"Though we understand this may cause some uneasiness, the overall risk of exposure to the majority of students and staff at the event is considered low," read the letter from FCPS Division Superintendent Marceline R. Catlett. "We are working closely with RAHD to identify anyone who had close contact with the individuals to determine if they might have been exposed to COVID-19."

The health department will contact anyone who may have been exposed. Everyone who attended the ceremony is asked to monitor for the common symptoms of COVID-19 illness: cough, shortness of breath, or a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Additional symptoms may also include chills, body aches, fatigue, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, runny nose, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

As of Sunday, there are 227 cumulative coronavirus cases, 25 hospitalizations and no deaths in Fredericksburg. For public health information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/rappahannock or call the health district's call center Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 540-899-4797.