03/29/2024
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Bladen County Schools has learned today that an employee at Elizabethtown Middle School has tested positive for COVID-19. Due to privacy requirements, we cannot release the name of the individual or details that may identify him or her, but the information has been provided to the Bladen County Health Department.

The health department is now investigating the case. The number of staff members who came into contact with this employee is minimal.  The area where the staff member worked has already undergone a deep cleaning/disinfection. Operations at the school will continue as usual, and we will keep you apprised of further updates. This includes a return to work for staff on Friday, September 11.

Bladen County Health Department is working with school staff to identify anyone who may have had close contact (i.e., within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) with this person. The impacted staff members who were determined to be in close contact with the infected individual have all been notified directly. Those that were in close contact will remain off-campus for up to 14 calendar days to ensure that there will not be any potential further spread. If the health department does not contact you directly, you have not been identified as a close contact.

The safety and well-being of Bladen County Schools’ staff is always our number one priority. We are taking extra steps to ensure the safety of all our staff.  Bladen County Schools are following CDC and DHHS guidelines as we continue to monitor the situation. Our Board is committed to the health and safety of its employees and supports measures that will keep all employees safe. Furthermore, we need our staff to do their part at school and at home to maintain social distance from others outside of their household, wear face coverings, and wash /sanitize hands often. The goal of every action in this sequence of events is to protect our students and staff and get back to learning and school activities as soon as possible.

We will continue to work with Dr. Terri Duncan, the Bladen County Health Director, to follow recommendations as to proactive steps we can take to ensure the safety of our employees.

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