Positive COVID case reported at Parkersburg South High School and Williamstown Elementary

PARKERSBURG -- Two positive COVID-19 cases were reported Thursday at Parkersburg South High School and Williamstown Elementary School respectively, according to a press release from Wood County Schools.

The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department notified Wood County Schools of a confirmed two positive cases of COVID-19 at Parkersburg South High School and Williamstown Elementary school reported in a press release late Thursday afternoon.

The MOVHD is working closely with the school district to identify any potential persons who may have had close contact with the individual that tested positive for COVID-19, the release said.

Any individuals that need to be quarantined, based on the guidance of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), will be contacted by the health department.

The MOVHD conducts an investigation into each positive COVID-19 case to identify and notify those known to be in close contact with the infected individual. Contact tracing and testing takes time and there are levels of contact: low, medium, and high, the release said. Notifications will be made while maintaining confidentiality when a close contact is confirmed and quarantine is necessary.

The health department will notify Wood County Schools when an employee or student is placed in quarantine. Wood County Schools will continue to take appropriate actions, working in collaboration with the health department, to protect the safety and well-being of students and staff.

To keep schools open to children, it will take the entire community following established COVID-19 protocols including hand washing, use of hand sanitizer, use of face coverings, and practicing social distancing, the release said.