Coronavirus Latest: Elementary School Staff Member Tests Positive

Gaithersburg MD

24 March, 2020

2:25 PM

Description

MONTGOMERY VILLAGE, MD — A staff member at Whetstone Elementary School has tested positive for the new coronavirus, officials confirmed on Tuesday. It is the first known confirmed case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, within the MCPS staff community. The identity of the individual has not been released. But county health officials say the employee did not develop any symptoms until after the last day of school, and that no students or staff are at risk for exposure. "While every case is concerning, it is not surprising as we know that COVID-19 is present in the broader community," Dr. Travis Gayles, the county's health officer, said. "We continue to work hard to keep residents and County staff as safe as possible." For updates on the coronavirus in Maryland, get Patch news alerts. As of Tuesday afternoon, 349 confirmed coronavirus cases were reported in Maryland — 107 of which are in Montgomery County. Montgomery County is the most populous county in the state of Maryland. It also has the most confirmed cases of COVID-19. Based on the state's tally, Prince George's County comes in second with 63 cases. On Tuesday, the state confirmed its fourth coronavirus fatality. The patient was a Prince George's County man in his 60s who suffered from underlying medical conditions. Three others have died in Maryland from the new coronavirus, all in the past week. Officials say each person suffered from underlying medical conditions. They have been identified as: a Montgomery County woman in her 40s; a Baltimore County man in his 60s; and a Prince George's County man in his 60s. People infected with the virus have been confirmed in all parts of the state except in Dorchester, Allegany, and Kent counties. The state saw its largest day-to-day increase in positive test results Tuesday since it began testing people for COVID-19, with 61 people testing positive since Monday. SEE ALSO: Montgomery County Cop Tests Positive For CoronavirusCoronavirus In Maryland: 4 Deaths Confirmed, 349 Cases Total'Severe Blood Shortage:' Red Cross Needs Donations Amid OutbreakHow To Help Montgomery County Businesses During OutbreakDistillery Makes Hand Sanitizer Instead Of Liquor: Coronavirus