Derry Area sends Grandview Elementary staff home as it awaits coronavirus test results

Patrick Varine | Thursday, March 19, 2020 4:35 p.m.

3D art based in microscope images of the corona virus from the 2020 outbreak in Wuhan, China

Derry Area School District on Thursday closed Grandview Elementary School to essential workers and others after a family member of a support staff member was tested for covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

“Acting prudently and with an abundance of caution, we have decided to close Grandview Elementary and have sent all essential employees home through next Tuesday,” school officials posted on the district’s website and distributed through social media. “We have asked that they monitor their health and if symptoms arise, they should contact their health care provider immediately.”

The district emphasized that results from the test were not yet available.

“We feel confident that operations in the middle school and high school can continue with essential staff at this time. This includes the preparation and distribution of the student lunch program, which is based out of the middle/high school,” the district’s statement reads.