GREENFIELD — A teacher at Greenfield Intermediate School has tested positive for COVID-19, the novel coronavirus.
According to a release from the Hancock County Health Department, county health officials were notified late Wednesday of the positive test result.
The health department has been in contact with the patient and the Greenfield-Central Community School Corp. to coordinate the response. Health officials said the teacher is not a Hancock County resident and continued direct patient contact will be coordinated through the patient's county of residence.
Administrators with the school corporation told the health department the teacher last had contact with others at the school on March 9. The patient left the school at the end of the day March 9 and has not had direct physical contact with students or staff since then.
The Indiana State Health Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines recommends that quarantine and monitoring of symptoms occur for 14 days following direct contact with a person who was experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19. The health department said any students, teachers or staff from Greenfield Intermediate School who are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 from March 9 through March 23 should contact their healthcare provider first and then also contact the Hancock County Health Department at 317-477-1125.
Here is part of the health department's statement:
We understand this news will be concerning for many of our community members. Be assured that our Health Department, the Greenfield-Central Community School Corporation, and our local partners will be working closely to follow all related protocols issued by the Indiana State Department of Health for case investigation and contact tracing. As this process develops, we will conduct a full inventory of the individuals the patient was in contact with at the school on March 9. This information will be used to notify all other individuals who have been identified as close contacts of the patient.
The health department said while the risk of any students contracting COVID-19 is low, healthy hygiene procedures are encourage including:
- Washing your hands
- Practicing social distancing
- Staying home and isolated from others in your home who may be sick
- Monitoring your signs and symptoms for dry cough, fever and shortness of breath
If the general public has questions about COVID-19, they are encouraged to contact the Indiana State Department of Health hotline at 877-826-0011.
