Staff At Andrew High School Catches COVID-19, Days After Student

TINLEY PARK, IL — A staff member at Andrew High School has tested positive for COVID-19, according to principal Robert Nolting.

The principal wrote in a letter addressed to the Andrew community that the school became aware of the positive case on Thursday. The staff member was in attendance while asymptomatic, according to Nolting.

"The staff were in attendance when asymptomatic, and had received confirmation of a positive exam result after having symptoms outside of school time," Nolting said.

Nolting said those who have been in "close contact" with the individual over the past few days have been notified.

This news comes just days after a student at Andrew tested positive for the coronavirus. Nolting did not state whether there is a possibility the cases could be linked to one-another.

The principal said the school identified six students who were in close contact with the positive student at some point on Oct. 1. Nolting said the school communicated with the families of these students, adding they also notified those who were in proximity of the positive student, even though they did not meet the IDPH criteria of close contact.

A district representative said the school is following the COVID-19 Interim Exclusion Guidance from the IDPH. This plan outlines how long and if a student or staff member needs to quarantine after testing positive; or after coming in close contact with someone who tested positive.

"During this challenging time of being accountable for student safety, while simultaneously working towards reopening, we continue to review all protocols and guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health and Cook County Department of Public Health," Nolting said. "We appreciate your continued support of our school and our efforts given the difficult situation we are all in."

Patch will update this article if more information is presented.