New coronavirus cases reported from two Amherst County public schools

AMHERST COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — Just days before Thanksgiving break officially begins, Amherst County school officials announced two new coronavirus cases from a local elementary school and high school.

Amherst County Public Schools released a statement on Monday, Nov. 23, saying an individual from Amelon Elementary School and an individual from Amherst County High School have both been diagnosed with COVID-19.

While school officials say both schools will remain open at this time, these are the same two schools where positive cases were reported on Friday, Nov. 20.

However, Amherst County Public Schools told WFXR News that Monday’s cases are not related to Friday’s cases, adding that these cases are the result of community transmission.

The district says those who may have been potentially exposed with be contacted by the Central Virginia Health Department and/or by Amherst County Public Schools.

If you have been contacted, you are asked to start quarantining at home; monitor for symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, or a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit; and practice social distancing for 14 days from your last contact.

However, if you have not been directly contacted by either health officials or school officials, you have not been identified as a potential exposure and are not required to stay home or avoid activities at this time.

“Amherst County Public Schools remains committed to implementing all health mitigation strategies and encourages all parents and staff to continue to monitor their health and the health of their families for COVID-19 symptoms,” Amherst County school officials said in Monday’s statement.