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UPDATED: 6:45 p.m.
Lower Merion School District officials say two students and a staff member may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus during visits to CHOP in King of Prussia, where a cardiologist tested presumptive positive for coronavirus on Monday.
Health officials reassured the public that they are not showing symptoms of COVID-19, nor do they pose a risk of transmission. The students and staff member are also currently quarantined.
But out of an “abundance of caution,” the district will close all schools on Tuesday for additional cleaning and sanitizing.
“Special attention will be given to public spaces and high-touch surfaces, such as keyboards, railings, door handles, etc.,” read an email sent to parents and staff.
As of Monday, there are now five presumptive positive cases in Montgomery County, bringing the statewide total to seven.
Shortly after LMSD’s announcement, the Cheltenham School District said it would close schools from Tuesday through Friday, after it learned that a district parent was the caregiver to a patient with a presumptive positive COVID-19 case.
The parent self-quarantined herself and her child. As a precaution, all seven of Cheltenham’s schools, plus its administration building, will close for deep-cleaning this week to reduce possible exposure.
In addition, all field trips have been canceled until students return from spring break on April 13.
The four days will be considered snow days and will not count against the mandated 180 student days.
The Hatboro-Horsham School District said it will close Simmons Elementary School on Tuesday for cleaning, after a student visited the same CHOP where the cardiologist tested positive.
The student in question has not tested positive and is not exhibiting symptoms. State health officials say the child poses a low risk of transmission.
The Hatboro-Horsham School District said it is not necessary to close its other schools at this time.
Both the Norristown Area and Upper Merion Area school districts, however, will close all of its schools on Tuesday for a similar precaution.
In Bucks County, Neshaminy High School announced it will be closed Tuesday after a student came in contact with a healthcare provider at the same CHOP. Officials say that student and two family members will quarantine themselves at home.
Prevention and risk
The best ways to protect yourself from COVID-19 are common-sense hygiene practices: Wash your hands, don’t touch your face, cover your cough or sneeze, stay away from sick people, and stay home if you’re sick.
For most people, the immediate risk of being exposed to COVID-19 is low, according to the CDC. The risk to the general public depends on how the virus spreads between people.
Most of the reported illnesses have had mild symptoms. Older adults or people with underlying health conditions are more at risk.
As of Monday, there have been 423 reported cases in the U.S. and 19 deaths, according to the CDC. Worldwide, there are nearly 109,600 cases and 3,800 deaths.
If someone is experiencing symptoms or believes he or she may have been exposed to the virus, they are advised to call 1-877-PA-HEALTH. The Pennsylvania Department of Health can answer questions and notify a hospital. If you plan on visiting your doctor regarding coronavirus, notify your physician ahead of time so that precautions can be made.
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