SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — Sacajawea Middle School in Spokane is alerting its community members about a possible case of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Ally Barrera, a spokesperson for Spokane Public Schools, said on Tuesday that health officials notified the district about a possible case within the school community.
Spokane Regional Health District spokesperson Kelli Hawkins told KREM that someone within the community is being observed and the school is taking precautions to keep staff members safe.
Hawkins said she may know more about the possible case after a meeting on Tuesday morning.
Several confirmed cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have ties to schools in Spokane County.
Spokane Public Schools leaders say they were notified over the weekend that a Bemiss Elementary School parent tested positive for COVID-19.
They are receiving treatment at home.
Students at the school are not currently showing symptoms, but they did attend school on Monday and Tuesday of last week. The parent did not enter the school and Spokane Regional Health District is in the process of notifying those who were in contact with the students and their parents.
The health district says those who were not in close contact with the parent are at low risk of infection. However, if you are concerned, they ask that you contact your healthcare provider.
The district cleaned Bemiss Elementary with its Clorox 360 electrostatic disinfectant sprayer over the weekend. It is one of three sprayers in the district that are typically deployed to schools that see an uptick in absenteeism due to illness.
District leaders said the spray kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria that cause virus and illnesses, just like Clorox wipes, and will have evaporated by the time and students and staff are in the building on Monday morning.
Medical Lake School District staff member tests positive
A staff member in the Medical Lake School District has tested positive for COVID-19.
The district announced it would close all building on Monday, March 16, in accordance with Washington Gov. Jay Inslee's decision to close schools statewide until at least April 24.
District leaders said the staff member spent time prior to showing symptoms at both Hallett Elementary School and Medical Lake High School as a robotics team adviser.
The health district is recommending that anyone in those locations over the past two weeks pay close attention for flu-like symptoms.
Robotics mentor tests positive for COVID-19
FIRST Washington posted on its website that a mentor from a robotics competition team has tested positive for COVID-19.
The mentor attended the Glacier Peak Week 1 and West Valley Week 2 events. The event at West Valley High School in Spokane Valley was held from March 5-7.
"We are seeking additional information and will keep you informed, and we have reached out directly to the teams and volunteers who attended those two events," the message from FIRST Washington reads.
It is unclear if this is the same person who served as a robotics team adviser at Medical Lake schools. KREM 2 has reached out to the West Valley School District for more information.
Three confirmed cases in Spokane County
On Saturday, health officials announced that three Spokane County residents had tested positive for the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
One person who tested positive for the virus is a woman in her 40s who is displaying symptoms of the virus, said Spokane County Health Officer Dr. Bob Lutz. The other is a man in his 50s.
Lutz said the third person who tested positive for the virus has not been contacted by health officials.
Lutz said anyone who tests positive for the virus is told to self-isolate if they are not sick enough to be hospitalized.
Leaders with the Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) said on Saturday that they have identified and contacted people who may have come in contact with the infected individuals. They will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms.