SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A staff member at West Hills High School has tested positive for COVID-19, according to Grossmont Union High School District.
The families of 23 students in classes affected by the positive test have been notified and will not participate in in-person classes for 14 days, according to GUHSD PIO Catherine Martin.
Those students will continue their instruction virtually during that time, Martin added. All other West Hills students will continue their in-person or distance learning classes as scheduled.
In a letter to parents, West Hills High principal Robin Ballarin said after reviewing the positive test with public health officials, there is no need to close the school for in-person learning.
"We have cleaned and disinfected, as appropriate, and our campus has been deemed safe for occupancy. We understand that this information is concerning. Staff members and students who may have come into close contact with the individual will be directly contacted by San Diego County Public Health with further instructions. We are working with public health to continue monitoring the situation, and we are strictly following all public health guidelines," Ballarin wrote.
The identity of the staff member was not released due to privacy laws.
According to the California Department of Public Health's guidelines for school reopenings, two-week closures will be put in place if at least 5% of the total number of teachers, students, or staff test positive in a classroom or school, or 25% of a district’s population tests positive.
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