Dear Diamond Elementary School community,

This letter is to inform you that an individual at Diamond Elementary School has tested positive for COVID-19. We identified this case through our pooled testing program, where individuals who elect to participate are screened for COVID-19, even if they do not have symptoms.

All students and staff in the classroom/grade level with the positive pool have been notified and will enter quarantine for 14 days, or until they test negative for COVID-19, whichever comes first.  They will participate in learning virtually from home.  Right now, there are no known additional cases of COVID-19 at Diamond Elementary School, and those who did not have direct contact to the positive pool or classroom do not need to get tested for COVID-19 or quarantine at this time. Per the CDC, Direct contact is defined as: 
1.    being within 6 feet or less for 15 or more minutes (within a 24 hour period) of an individual with COVID-19, or
2.    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).

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 https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/coronavirus  and montgomerycountymd.gov/COVID19 for additional information.

We appreciate your cooperation as we work to maintain a safe and healthy school environment.

Sincerely,

Daniel Walder
Principal