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Upshur County Schools student tests positive

BUCKHANNON — Upshur County Schools officials announced Tuesday that a student in the county school system has tested positive for COVID-19.

The school system is working closely with the Upshur-Buckhannon Health Department to carry out contact tracing of those who have been in contact with the student, who attends Buckhannon Academy Elementary, officials said.

Also on Tuesday, the Upshur-Buckhannon Health Department announced that the county currently has 25 active cases of COVID-19.

“Residents please follow state and CDC guidelines that will keep family members and community safe,” the release states. “UBHD also wants to make it clear that anyone who is waiting for COVID-19 test results should remain self-quarantined to protect their family members and working partners. Everyone who can work from home should take advantage of this opportunity, only making trips outside for essential errands.”

An Upshur County Schools press release Tuesday stated the following:

“Upshur County Schools and the Upshur-Buckhannon Health Department received confirmation that a student in our district has tested positive for COVID-19. The Upshur-Buckhannon Health Department has been working closely with Upshur County Schools and identified persons who have had close contact with them including students, staff, family members and friends. Those that need to be quarantined are being contacted by the health department.

“The Upshur-Buckhannon Health Department notified those who were known to be in close contact with the positive individual. If there is a chance you may have been exposed and the health department can trace that activity to you, you will be notified. Please understand that contact tracing and testing take time and that there are levels of contact: low, medium and high.

“Immediate notification was made while maintaining confidentiality when a close contact was confirmed and communicated to Upshur County Schools. Our students and staff have done a great job wearing masks and social distancing at school in order to help prevent exposure. We will continue to take appropriate action working with and under the guidance of health officials to protect the safety and well-being of our students and staff.

“To keep our schools open to our children, it will take our entire community following established COVID-19 protocol including hand washing, facial covering use, social distancing, and proper hygiene. We appreciate your on-going support and commitment to the health of Upshur County.”

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