Horsham School Will Stay Closed For 3rd Day

HORSHAM, PA — An elementary school in Horsham will remain closed for a third day on Thursday, as officials await test results from a student who was exposed to the new coronavirus.

That student, who is believed to have had contact with a doctor infected with the virus, is exhibiting cold and flu-like symptoms, school officials said.

Simmons Elementary School has been closed since Tuesday. Evening community activities scheduled at the school on Thursday also are canceled, Hatboro-Horsham School District officials said.

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The student was exposed to the virus, known as COVID-19, last Thursday during a visit to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia facility in King of Prussia. The student has been tested by the Montgomery County Department of Public Health and, until the results are known, Simmons Elementary will remain closed, officials said.

District Superintendent Curtis Griffin apologized to families for the inconvenience of closing the school.

"We rely on information from other sources to make these decisions and until we have all of the information we need to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community, we will continue to take actions needed to mitigate risks," Griffin said.

Hatboro-Horsham officials had expected to receive test results on Wednesday but said Wednesday afternoon they may take another two days.

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