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NEWSOMS

Another school division in Western Tidewater has been affected by the pandemic. An employee of the Southampton County Public School system has tested positive for COVID-19. This was confirmed in a letter from Supt. Dr. Gwendolyn Shannon to The Tidewater News on Tuesday afternoon.

She stated that SCPS learned on Sunday evening that an employee at Meherrin Elementary School had tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Friday, but for the sake of the person’s privacy would reveal no further details.

“Southampton County Public Schools’ precautionary measures were taken to ensure the safety of all, and contact tracing was conducted,” Shannon stated. “All actions were taken in accordance with the existing health plan for Southampton County Public Schools.”

She added, “While adhering to the health plan procedures and guidelines, the Western Tidewater Health Department and Southampton County Public Schools determined that the possible impact to any employee was minimal and any possible contact was deemed incidental.”

The superintendent also said the school division and Western Tidewater Health Department will continue “to monitor this situation and community conditions regarding COVID-19. Southampton County Public Schools continues to stay vigilant in the fight against this virus, and encourages all individuals to wear a mask, maintain proper social distancing and wash their hands regularly.”