In a Sept. 20 letter from Superintendent of Schools Robert Spengler, Catasauqua Area School District families were informed of a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 at Catasauqua Middle School.

The confirmation to the district was made Sept. 19. According to the letter, the appropriate quarantine and isolation is in effect for the student and his or her family, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines.

CMS remains open at this time.

“Please be aware that in the case of two or more confirmed COVID-19 cases within a school building, that particular building will be closed for at least one week,” the letter continued.

It was reported all learning would be performed synchronously and asynchronously via the district’s instructional platforms.

Any staff members and students who may have come in within 6 feet of contact for more than 15 minutes with the diagnosed individual will be contacted by the local health department and/or school district officials. These individuals must then self quarantine.

Spengler reported there have been numerous quarantine situations in the district, out of an abundance of caution, but there has been only one positive case.

“As the weather is changing, we are seeing more illnesses that require quarantine but not resulting in positive COVID results yet,” Spengler said.

CASD opened for classes Aug. 31 and students returned to full five-day in-person instruction. A large portion of students in the district opted to attend classes virtually, allowing for the in-person students to space out appropriately in the school buildings.

District personnel encourage students, family members and faculty and staff members to avoid close contact with people who are sick, wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, stay home if sick, cover your face if coughing or sneezing, regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces, practice social distancing and wear a face mask.

Administration asks families to keep students home if they have any of the following symptoms: a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, lack of smell or taste, sore throat, chills, muscle pain, headache, congestion or runny nose.

According to the district’s Sept. 20 letter, “The Catasauqua Area School District will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as needed. Please know the health and safety of our students and staff is our priority.”

Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact their building administration with any questions and concerns.