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Elementary school class moves online after Hanover teacher tests positive for COVID-19

Posted at 7:28 PM, Sep 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-22 19:28:42-04

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. -- A class at a Hanover County elementary school will be taught online for the next two weeks after a teacher tested positive for COVID-19.

The infected teacher works at John M. Gandy Elementary School.

Principal Leigh Finch announced the positive test in a message to families Monday afternoon.

"As in all cases, we are working closely with Hanover Health Department officials. We have directly notified the families of the students in the affected classroom," said Finch. "In accordance with official health guidance, these students will immediately transition to remote learning for the next two weeks."

Finch says all other JGES students will continue with in-person instruction as scheduled.

The principal says the school's custodial staff will conduct extra cleaning to sanitize the impacted classroom.

"In the meantime, please continue to monitor your child daily for symptoms (i.e., fever, runny nose, cough, etc.). If your child exhibits any symptoms, please keep your child at home and contact your healthcare provider immediately," Finch continued. "We appreciate you continuing to emphasize hand washing, physical distancing, and the wearing of masks with your children. By adhering to all health and safety expectations, we help to protect each other and our broader community."

The positive test comes after two staff members at Kersey Creek Elementary School tested positive for COVID-19 last week.

More information about Hanover County Public Schools' Health plan can be found here.