Montgomery County Public Schools

Dear Seneca Valley High School community, 

This letter is to inform you that an individual at Seneca Valley High 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 pool group will enter quarantine for 14 days, or until they test negative for COVID-19, whichever comes first.  Right now, there are no known additional cases of COVID-19 at Seneca Valley High School, and those who did not have direct contact to the positive pool 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.