Dear Arcola Elementary School Community, 

This letter is to inform you that we were notified today an individual who was last present at Arcola Elementary School on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) on August 10, 2021.  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.   

Per current DHHS guidance and our contact tracing process, unless you are notified directly, you do not need to be tested or quarantine as they were not in direct contact with the person who tested positive for COVID-19. Direct contact in schools is defined as:   

1. being within 3 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).  

We encourage you to closely monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you develop any of these symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately for advice.  

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 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, 

Emmanuel Jean-Philippe 

Principal