R-1 staff member tests positive for COVID-19

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The Maries R-1 School District announced on Monday that an R-1 staff member has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now in quarantine. According to the notice, no students were in close contact with the staff member and all staff members in close contact with the individual have been notified by the Phelps/Maries County Health Department.
"We have been working closely with the health department to assist with the contract tracing process," an R-1 spokesperson stated. "We will continue to monitor this situation and will make necessary announcements to the community."
 
The letter sent to Maries R-1 families follows: 
 
"Dear Maries R-1 Families,
On September 20, 2020, the Maries R-1 School District was notified by the Phelps/Maries Health Department that a staff member received a positive COVID-19 test result. There were no students in close contact and all staff members in close contact with this individual have been notified by the Phelps/Maries County Health Department. We have been working closely with the health department to assist with the contact tracing process.We will continue to monitor this situation and will make necessary announcements to the community.
As a reminder, the Maries R-1 School District will continue to work closely with local health officials to monitor evolving circumstances and revise our operational plans as needed. If you are not contacted by the health department within 48 hours, your child was not found to be in close contact with the individual who tested positive. If you believe your child to be a close contact, and are not notified during that period, please call the Phelps-Maries County Health Department. 
COVID-19 is thought to be spread via person-to-person contact through contaminated air droplets from coughing and sneezing by an infected person. As with controlling the spread of other viruses, we urge everyone to take preventive measures and monitor for symptoms daily. More information on our guidelines can be found on our website at mariesr1.k12.mo.us. It is truly a community effort to minimize the spread of the virus and help us keep our schools safe, healthy, and open, and we appreciate your understanding and assistance."