Dear Northwest Families,

This letter is to inform you that an individual, who was last present at Northwest High School on Saturday, August 14, 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.  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. 

Per current DHHS guidance and based on our collaborative contact tracing process, your student does not need to be tested or voluntarily quarantine unless you received a call from a school staff member.  Direct contact is defined as: 

1. being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of an individual with COVID-19 for 15 minutes or longer, or
2. having direct contact in other forms (e.g., being coughed on).

As always, we strongly urge students to closely monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If a student develops any of these symptoms at all, they should stay home and contact their healthcare provider immediately for advice. Please also contact the school if your student develops symptoms; the student should not come onto Northwest HS grounds 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 on school grounds 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.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Visit http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/coronavirus and www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COVID19 for additional information.

I appreciate your support in maintaining a safe and healthy school environment.