Dear Colleagues,

It has recently come to my attention that a member of our staff that was last present at East Silver Spring Elementary School on 10/18/21 has received a positive test result for COVID-19 on 10/19/21. We wish the individual well and look forward to their safe return once they have been medically cleared.

MCPS has worked closely with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) County health officials during this pandemic. Per current DHHS guidance, and based on our collaborative contact tracing process, unless notified directly, you do not need to be tested or quarantine as you were not in close contact with the person who tested positive for COVID-19. Please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/contact-tracing/contact-tracing- plan/append1x.html#contact for additional information on how the CDC and MCPS defines and identifies close contacts.

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

• Get vaccinated when eligible
• 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.
• Stay home if you are sick or have any COVID-19 symptoms.

Please visit https.//www.montgomeryschoolsmd org/coronavirus and https //www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/ for additional information on COVID-19 resources, including free COVID-19 testing and COVID-19 vaccination sites.

As always, if you develop symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, or other COVID-19 symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately for advice and get tested for COVID-19. Please do not report to work and notify your supervisor that you will be staying home.

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