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Grant County elementary school to close for 2 weeks due to COVID-19 cases

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Posted at 8:36 AM, Aug 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-28 08:36:56-04

GAS CITY — A Grant County elementary school will close for two weeks after multiple people at the school were diagnosed with COVID-19 and dozens were exposed.

In a message to parents, Mississinewa Community Schools Superintendent Tag McKenzie said Northview Elementary School in Gas City will be closed through Friday, Sept. 11. All classes will be virtual until students and staff return Monday, Sept. 14.

"This timeframe will allow us to deep clean the building and most importantly, it will give us time at Northview to thoroughly quarantine and prevent further spread and allow time for those who have COVID to recuperate," McKenzie said.

McKenzie said the school had three confirmed cases of COVID-19 over the past couple weeks and approximately 60 students were exposed to the virus. He added school officials determined Thursday that eight staff members were exposed and one tested positive.

McKenzie said families of students who were exposed to the coronavirus cases have have already been contacted or school officials are still attempting to notify them.

"If you do not hear from the Northview office, then you can assume that your child has not been directly exposed," McKenzie said.

The school will offer meals to students during the closure. McKenzie said families can pick up bags that include five breakfast and five lunch meals from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday outside Door No. 3 at Northview Elementary School.