New Ken-Arnold School District employee's spouse tests positive for coronavirus, 2nd worker quarantined

The spouse of a New Kensington-Arnold School District employee has tested positive for the coronavirus that causes covid-19, the district announced Friday.

“The district responded as quickly as possible in this situation,” Assistant Superintendent Jon Banko said. “Self-quarantine is happening, and we are taking steps to address anyone that came in contact with the employee.”

The district did not identify the employee nor did it disclose that person’s position or where that person works.

In a statement, Superintendent John Pallone said he is uncertain where or how the individual was exposed to the virus.

“The good news is that no other family member in the household has exhibited any symptoms,” Pallone said in a statement. “But, as a precaution, the entire household is self-quarantined for 14 days as recommended by their family physician.”

Any other district employees that may have been exposed to the employee are being permitted and encouraged to stay home and self-quarantine for 14 days, the district said.

The district said it also has learned that one other employee has been self-quarantined as a precaution pending results of a covid-19 test.

The district said its custodial staff has been working in teams to perform deep-cleaning and disinfect all classrooms and buildings.

“The district wants to reassure you that every effort is being made to protect the health and safety of the students, families and staff of the New Kensington-Arnold School District,” Pallone said in the statement.

On Friday, Westmoreland County reported two new coronavirus cases to bring the county’s total confirmed cases to four.