Dear Gibbs ES Parents and Families,

This letter is to inform you that an individual who was last present at Gibbs Elementary School on September 29, 2021, tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). We wish the individual well and look forward to their safe return once they have been medically cleared.  Upon notification of the positive case, and out of an abundance of caution, we followed CDC cleaning procedures to disinfect and sanitize areas where the individual was in the building, including common areas.  Following Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines, we notified individuals who were known to have direct contact and have advised them to quarantine for 10 days.  If you did not receive a call from the school, then you do not need to quarantine.

Per current DHHS guidance and based on our collaborative contact tracing process, you do not need to be tested or voluntarily quarantine as you were not in direct contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.  Direct contact is defined as: 

1. being within approximately 3 feet 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
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).

However, we strongly urge our school members to closely monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you develop any of these symptoms at all, please stay home and contact your healthcare provider immediately for advice. You should also contact the school if you develop symptoms and should not visit the building until medically cleared.

As a reminder, here are the steps that we can all take to keep ourselves, families, and school community safe from COVID-19:

• 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 distance from others, when possible
• Stay home if you are sick
• Visit montgomeryschoolsmd.org/COVID-19 and montgomerycountymd.gov/COVID-19 for additional information

I know this is a difficult time and we appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a safe and healthy school environment.