Othello teacher tests positive for coronavirus

OTHELLO — Nine staff members at Scootney Springs Elementary are in quarantine, with one teacher having tested positive for the coronavirus. A second teacher among the nine people is displaying COVID-19 symptoms.

The remaining seven people either came in contact with the teacher who tested positive, or have family members who have tested positive or who are displaying symptoms.

District Director of Communications Ed Petersen said the teacher who tested positive was tested Aug. 26, and was not on campus when parents and kids came to school for the district’s “soft opening.”

Three teachers who are in quarantine were in close proximity to the teacher who tested positive and have been tested. Two aides also are in quarantine, having come in contact with the teacher who tested positive.

Two staff members have family members who have tested positive for coronavirus, or are displaying symptoms, Petersen said.

The teacher who tested positive isn’t displaying any symptoms, Petersen said, nor are the three teachers and two aides who came in contact with the teacher. All are continuing to work from home, he said.