COVID-19 Cases Reported At 6 MCPS Schools This Week

BETHESDA, MD — Positive COVID-19 cases were reported at six Montgomery County public schools this week.

According to multiple announcements posted to MCPS' website, cases have been confirmed at:

• Walt Whitman High School
• Gaithersburg High School
• Bells Mill Elementary School
• Montgomery Blair High School
• Quince Orchard High School
• Sherwood High School

Walt Whitman High School

On Monday, Principal Robert W. Dodd said two people tested positive for COVID-19, but that there was was "no risk of exposure to other students or staff on-site."

The following day, Dodd notified families about a third case. Students who had direct contact with the infected individual were advised to quarantine for 14 days.

Gaithersburg High School

In a letter sent to families on Monday, Principal Cary Dimmick said someone who was at the school on Friday had tested positive for the virus. The county's health department later determined that there was no risk of exposure to students or staff.

Bells Mill Elementary School

Principal Stacy L. Smith told parents on Monday that their child may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 between March 19 and 22.

"Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines state that if an individual is within direct contact of a person who tested positive, they must self-quarantine for 14 calendar days. Your student should self-quarantine from March 23, 2021 and may return to school on April 8, 2021 if individual health guidelines are met," Smith said. "Students may not participate in any on-site activities, including athletics, during the quarantine period."

Montgomery Blair High School

Over at Montgomery Blair, an individual participating in the school's athletic program tested positive for COVID-19. According to Principal Renay Johnson, anyone who may have been in direct contact with the infected individual was notified.

Quince Orchard High School

Principal Elizabeth L. Thomas told parents on Tuesday that an individual — who was inside the school's gymnasium on March 17 — has tested positive for the virus.

"Following guidance from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) it was determined there has been no risk of exposure to other students or staff on-site," Thomas said.

Sherwood High School

In a letter to parents, Principal Tim Britton said an individual who was at the school on Monday had tested positive for COVID-19. School officials have notified everyone they think was in direct contact with the infected individual.