Dear Quince Orchard High School Community,

This letter is to inform you that we were notified today that an individual who was last present at
Quince Orchard High School on August 16, 2021, has tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19) on
August 16, 2021. Following guidance from the Montgomery County Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS) it was determined there has been no risk of exposure to other students or
staff on-site.

Based on the contact tracing guidelines, staff and students 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 for symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough and shortness
of breath. If any of these symptoms develop, please stay home and do not report in-person to the
school building. You should contact your healthcare provider immediately for advice. Please contact
the school if there is a development of COVID-19-like symptoms. Staff or 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/coronavirus and montgomerycountymd.gov/COVID19 for
additional information.

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

Sincerely,
Elizabeth L. Thomas
Principal