Employee at South Lake Meal Distribution Site Tests Positive for COVID-19

A staff member who works at the South Lake Elementary School meal distribution site in Gaithersburg tested positive for COVID-19, according to a Montgomery County Public Schools announcement.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we have asked other employees who worked with the affected staff member to self-quarantine for 14 days since their last contact with the employee,” MCPS said in a letter to the community Friday.

The last time the staff member worked at the distribution site was Nov. 11.

Anyone who visited the school prior to or on Nov. 11 can self-monitor for symptoms. Community members who use the food site should also monitor for symptoms. But the risk of exposure for students and families is low, according to the announcement, as the employe used masks and gloves.

Full Message from MCPS on South Lake Coronavirus Case

Here’s the full letter MCPS sent to community members on Friday:

Dear MCPS Community:

We are writing to share that a Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) food and nutrition services staff member working at the South Lake Elementary School meal distribution site has reported a positive test of COVID-19. The last date the employee worked at the distribution site was Wednesday, Nov. 11. Out of an abundance of caution, we have asked other employees who worked with the affected staff member to self-quarantine for 14 days since their last contact with the employee. In addition, we are sharing this so anyone who visited the school prior to or on Nov. 11 can self-monitor for symptoms. Based on discussions with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, we believe the risk level to students and families is low. The employee used masks and gloves—consistent with CDC guidance. Food distribution will continue as scheduled today. We ask community members who use this food site to monitor for symptoms and to contact your health provider if you display symptoms or have any questions.

Sincerely,

Montgomery County Public Schools

About Clara Longo de Freitas

Clara Longo de Freitas is a junior at the University of Maryland, majoring in Journalism and Spanish. Besides an intern with Montgomery Community Media, she is also a staff writer for The Diamondback and an avid illustrator. She can be reached at clongodefreitas@mymcmedia.org.

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