By Debra Palmieri

dpalmieri@tnonline.com

Parkland School District Superintendent Richard Sniscak has notified parents and staff that an individual has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus.

In a letter dated Sept. 6, Sniscak said the district was notified that day by the state Department of Health that an individual who attended the high school Sept. 2 and 3 had tested positive for COVID-19.

The letter does not say if the individual was a student or staff member.

“Due to procedures related to privacy laws, I am limited in what I can say,” Sniscak wrote. “I urge you to also respect the privacy of our students and staff.”

Sniscak said the state Department of Health is monitoring the individual.

“The Pennsylvania Department of Health is responsible for all contact tracing and the school district administration is assisting our public health officials with this endeavor,” Sniscak explained.

He added anyone who was in close contact with the individual will be contacted by the department of health with instructions to quarantine.

“School leadership, in conjunction with public health officials, has determined there is no need, at this time, to close Parkland High School,” Sniscak wrote.

“We have cleaned and disinfected, as appropriate, and our school building is safe for occupancy.”

He said anyone experiencing symptoms should self-quarantine and contact his or her doctor.

“If you are feeling ill, it is recommended you separate from others in the home, wear a face mask, cover coughs and sneezes, clean hands and surfaces often, and avoid sharing personal items,” Sniscak said. “It should be emphasized anyone who is ill should stay home except to get medical care.

“As you know, virus symptoms can range from mild to severe and could include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills without a fever, sore throat, muscle aches and pains, and temporary loss of smell or taste.

“Symptoms may appear in a few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.”

Sniscak said individuals with concerns regarding their own health and COVID-19, should contact their primary care physician.