NEWPORT — Newport School District got some good news Thursday afternoon when it was determined a staff member tested negative for the Coronavirus and has the flu.
Earlier in the day school officials learned that a staff member who has minimal contact with students was being tested for the COVID-19 illness.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we will be doing an early release today to allow us time to monitor the situation and deep clean the buildings,” Superintendent of Schools Brendan Minnihan wrote in a message.
To deal with the situation Thursday morning, Newport Middle High School was dismissed at 11:30 a.m. and Richards Elementary School followed at 12:30 p.m. All afternoon activities were canceled for the remainder of the day on Thursday.
Minnihan said the lockdown drill at the Middle High School Thursday was unrelated to this incident and was part of a regularly scheduled drill.
“Thank you for helping and understanding as we navigate this dismissal. It is important to remember this is precautionary in nature and what we believe in the best interest of our students,” Minnihan wrote in his message.
The superintendent said classes in the two schools would resume on Friday. “We are going to have the custodial staff continue its cleaning and sterilization efforts in the schools,” Superintendent Minnihan related.
“The Coronavirus situation is evolving daily, so we will keep you updated as we can, and try our best to keep all of you and our students safe,” he concluded.
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