Two MCPS Staff Members Test Positive and Twitter Positive Cases at Asbury Methodist

Two Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) food and nutrition services staff members working at the Glen Haven Elementary School meal distribution site in Wheaton have reported positive tests of Covid-19 (photos 1 and 2)

In addition, there have been two confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg (photo 3).

Per MCPS

Dear Staff:

We are writing to share that two Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) food and nutrition services staff members working at the Glen Haven Elementary School meal distribution site have reported positive tests of Covid-19. The last date the employees worked at the Glen Haven distribution site was on Thursday, March 26, 2020, and neither employee was symptomatic at that time. Nevertheless, out of an abundance of caution, we have asked other employees who worked alongside the affected staff members to self-quarantine for 14 days since their last contact with them. In addition, we are sharing this with all community members so anyone who visited the school prior to March 26, 2020, can self-monitor for symptoms.

Based on discussions with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), we believe the risk level to students and families is low given that the staff members were not symptomatic while working on site. The employees used masks and gloves—consistent with the latest CDC guidance—and handled pre-packaged food in the school kitchen, which was placed on tables and delivered to cars for students and parents. MCPS has temporarily closed the school kitchen and is utilizing a mobile delivery truck to continue food distribution at Glen Haven, in accordance with CDC guidelines for social distancing. We ask community members to monitor for symptoms and to contact your health provider if you display symptoms or have any questions.

The health and safety of our students, staff and community is important to us all.

Please take care of yourselves and stay healthy.

Sincerely,

Montgomery County Public Schools

From Asbury Methodist Village

We are sharing that this afternoon, April 6, we learned that we have two confirmed cases of COVID-19 at our community. The first is a resident living independently in our apartments, and the second is an associate who has not worked on our campus since March 22. We are working closely with public health officials and have mapped these individuals’ interactions and taken appropriate infection-control measures. We consider the people who live and work here to be family. Please know that we are doing all that we can to support these individuals and that we have been working tirelessly to prevent COVID-19 transmission on campus with measures that include restricted visitation, screening all associates and visitors, cancelling group events, closing our dining venues, and following our own as well as federal and state COVID-prevention guidelines. We have broadened services that make it easier for residents to remain at home, including deliveries of meals, groceries, and other supplies, and by adding groceries for purchase. Thank you to our associates who are working so hard to keep residents safe and lighten this situation. Thank you to everyone for following our heightened safety precautions. It is imperative that everyone who visits, lives in or works at our community follow our screening processes and the governor’s stay-at-home order, practices physical distancing and rigorous hygiene, and does everything within their power to minimize their risk of exposure. We understand if you have concerns and are happy to answer your questions. Please visit our COVID-19 Communications Hub at Asbury.org/COVID19.