UPDATE: The person has been diagnosed with influenza, according to the school.
The O’Neal School has announced its campus is closed immediately due to “a member of our on-campus community has fallen ill and is presenting symptoms resembling COVID-19,” according to Head of School John Elmore.
It was recommended the individual self-quarantine until test kits are available.
“Practicing abundant caution, we have immediately closed campus and have decided to extend our spring break for students beginning this Monday, March 16th,” said Elmore. “Only essential personnel are allowed on campus until further notice. We have been in touch with the Moore County Health Department and are following their instructions with all due diligence. Families are advised to be cautious with travel over spring break.”
O’Neal is evaluating the need for distance learning before spring break ends March 27.
Another area school issued a statement regarding its closure. Sandhills Theater Arts Renaissance School announced Friday on its website the charter school will be closed March 16 – April 13. All school activities are canceled as well. School property will be closed to all students during this time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 80 percent of known COVID-19 illness is mild.
“Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults,” said CDC. “While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date.”
Moore County currently has no presumptive positive cases.
For information on COVID-19 coronavirus, please click here.
