COVID-19 at Bells Mill Elementary School

March 12, 2021 Dear Bells Mill Elementary School Parents and Families, This letter is to inform you that an individual who was last present at Bells Mill Elementary School between March 8th and March 9th, 2021, has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). Following Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines, we notified individuals who were known to have direct contact with this individual and have advised them to quarantine for 14 days. Per current DHHS guidance and our contact tracing process, unless you are notified directly, your child does not need to be tested or quarantined as they were not in direct contact with the person who tested positive for COVID-19. Direct contact is defined as: being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of an individual with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time (e.g., being in the same office or classroom as a positive and symptomatic individual), or having direct contact with the infectious secretions from an individual with COVID-19 (e.g., being coughed on). Note: The definition of “close contact” does not include all other individuals on the same floor or in the same building as a positive individual, unless they also meet criteria (1) or (2). We encourage you to closely monitor your child for symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. If your child develops any of these symptoms, do not send them to school. You should contact your healthcare provider immediately for advice. Please contact the school if your child develops COVID-19-like symptoms. Students who develop symptoms, or test positive for COVID-19, will not be able to return to the building until they are medically cleared. As a reminder, here are the steps that we can all take to keep ourselves, families and school community safe: Wear a mask, or appropriate face covering, at all times when in school and other public spaces. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before and after eating. Cover your cough and/or sneeze and immediately wash your hands for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. Practice physical distancing and keep 6 feet away from others when possible. Stay home if you are sick. Visit montgomeryschoolsmd.org/COVID19 and montgomerycountymd.gov/COVID19 for additional information. We appreciate your cooperation as we work to maintain a safe and healthy school environment. Sincerely, Dr. Stacy L. Smith Principal Bells Mill Elementary School