Newcastle Public Schools Announces Student Tests Positive For COVID-19

Newcastle Public Schools announced on Thursday that an elementary student has tested positive for COVID-19.

The district's superintendent told News 9 a family member of an elementary student was exposed and the student was sent home. They said Thursday that student showed symptoms and the rest of the class, about 20 students, were sent home to quarantine.

The district sent a letter to parents and staff expressing their desire to communicate transparently. The district said that they have done contact tracing and said that parents of students in direct contact have been notified.

The students exposed will distance learn for 14 days.

"Our greatest priority is the safety of our students, staff and community members," the district said in the letter. "It is important to remember that children are greatly influenced by the reactions of adults when facing difficult circumstances. We encourage everyone to remain calm and to be empathetic and respectful to those affected."

Newcastle encouraged parents, staff and the community to follow CDC recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19.