The spouse of an Edenton-Chowan Schools employee has tested positive for coronavirus, the district's superintendent, Dr. Rob Jackson, announced Thursday.
The employee works at D.F. Walker Elementary School.
While Dr. Jackson noted that employment laws prohibit the district from identifying the employee, he said the couple lives outside of Chowan County and says the employee has not been in the building since Monday.
After school officials were notified Thursday afternoon, they immediately contacted the local health department, emergency management and the local hospital.
The campuses of D.F. Walker and White Oak Elementary Schools were immediately shut down.
School officials have been and will continue to disinfect all buildings based on guidelines by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Out of an abundance of caution, Dr. Jackson said all school campuses will be closed Friday and Monday for all staff members. Meal service will be suspended until Tuesday, March 24.
Dr. Jackson said school officials will continue to notify the public, work with the health department and emergency management and take responsive measures as appropriate.
