In working with the McDowell County Health Department, McDowell County Schools confirmed 1 positive COVID-19 case at Sandy River Middle School. After conducting initial contact tracing and investigations, it was determined by the McDowell County Health Department and BOE that Sandy River Middle School campus will be closed for students until November 27, 2020. *Please understand this campus must be closed due to the number of staff quarantined. SRMS does not have the substitute availability for teachers to ensure on campus instruction can safely take place. Staff who are not quarantined by the McDowell County Health Department will report to campus on Friday, November 20, 2020. We will continue to work closely with the Health Department as they conduct contact tracing. Deep cleaning of the school will be completed this evening. REMOTE LEARNING WILL TAKE PLACE FOR ALL STUDENTS. TEACHERS WILL CONDUCT LIVE SESSIONS AND POST ASSIGNMENTS USING SCHOOLOGY. MEALS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR STUDENTS. The confirmed case is believed to have resulted from community events and/or contact and not from infection transmissions within the school. In accordance with privacy laws, information specific to this case will not be released publicly, however this announcement is made to keep the community informed of the transmission of COVID-19 locally. To prevent the spread of COVID -19, everyone is urged to follow best health practices as issued by the Governor’s Executive Orders and outlined by the WVDHHR and the WVDE guidance. This includes wearing face coverings, and practicing social distancing, hand washing and following cleaning protocols regularly. #countystrong#maskupmcdowell