5 Central Bucks Schools Closed Due To Coronavirus Exposure

UPDATE, 7:50 p.m.: Bucks County officials said Friday evening tests on all those displaying symptoms of the virus came back negative. MORE.

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Five Central Bucks School District schools are closed Friday after people within the district were exposed to a confirmed case of the new coronavirus during a recent private gathering, officials said.

According to an announcement from the district, school officials learned late Thursday that children and staff at five schools were exposed to a confirmed case of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

The news of the closures came hours before state officials announced Pennsylvania's first two cases of coronavirus.

"At this moment, we understand that these Central Bucks community members have had contact with Butler Elementary School, Titus Elementary School, Tamanend Middle School, Tohickon Middle School, and Central Bucks South High School," a letter from Superintendent John Kopicki said.

The person from out of state, who is now known to have coronavirus, attended a recent private gathering at a residence in central Bucks County, county officials said.

"At the time of that gathering, it was not known to anyone, including the out-of-state attendee, that the person was ill with the COVID-19 virus. Confirmation was made at a later date," a news release from Bucks County said.

Multiple children and staff who attend or work at Central Bucks High School South, Tohickon and Tamanend Middle Schools, and Butler and Titus Elementary Schools were at the private gathering, county officials said.

The specific date of the gathering has not been revealed, but a spokesman for Bucks County confirmed it occurred no more than 14 days ago.

Bucks County Health Department Director David Damsker said the infected person was only at the gathering and did not visit any other locations in the area.

The Bucks County Department of Health will continue contacting those who attended the private gathering, and check them for any symptoms of illness, officials said. "Any found to have symptoms such as the fever, cough or shortness of breath often associated with coronavirus will be tested," the county statement said.

A deep cleaning of all impacted buildings will be conducted Friday. The Bucks County Health Department is currently evaluating the exposed individuals to determine when they can return to school, Kopicki said.

Central Bucks officials were notified of the exposure by the Bucks County Health Department and Sharon Watkins, the State Epidemiologist of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

After consulting with local and state health authorities "and out of an abundance of caution," the district made the decision to close the schools.

RELATED: New Coronavirus Travel Guidance Announced For PA

On Thursday, Pennsylvania officials announced new travel guidance amid a worldwide outbreak of Coronavirus.

Anyone who has arrived in Pennsylvania from China or Iran anytime during the outbreaks there will be notified by the state health department they must stay home and practice social distancing for 14 days after travel.

Additionally, anyone who has returned from travel in Italy or South Korea within the past 14 days should stay home and practice social distancing for 14 days. Those residents should call 1-877-PA-HEALTH to inform the state health department of their travel, said Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine.

RELATED: These Disinfectant Products Fight Coronavirus, EPA Says

Pennsylvanians are encouraged to help stop the spread of viruses by:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones and other frequently touched items.
• If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.