In a letter sent on March 24, Northwestern Lehigh Superintendent Jennifer Holman notified district families and staff that an employee had tested positive for COVID-19.

Holman said the individual, who works at both Weisenberg Elementary and the high school, had neither been to any district buildings nor participated in any school initiatives since March 16.

“Please know that the locations where this employee worked have been thoroughly deep cleaned and sanitized as have all the buildings of the Northwestern Lehigh School District,” Holman wrote. “Unfortunately, we expect that this may be the first of many additional reports of positive COVID-19 tests in our Northwestern Lehigh community in the coming days and weeks. This is consistent with what is happening nationally.

Holman noted that the Department of Health does not require the district to notify the school community when a staff member tests positive.

“However, out of an abundance of caution and a strong motivation to keep our community as health as possible in the midst of this pandemic, I felt it was important for you to be aware of this information,” Holman wrote. “We know that this is a stressful time for many Northwestern Lehigh families.

“Questions about your health or your child’s specific health issues should be directed to your health care provider.”

She reminded families to embrace social distancing, wash their hands for 20 seconds with soap and water and use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

“It is my hope that our students, families and staff practice all the recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and the Pennsylvania Department of Health to protect their health and stop the spread of this very contagious and serious disease,” Holman wrote. “COVID-19 has impacted everyone and we are requesting that everyone be especially vigilant of their family’s symptoms so that we can flatten the curve and get back to the business of education as quickly as possible.”