One of Arlington ISD’s food services employees has contracted COVID-19, leading the district to close one of its 24 meal distribution centers.
The employee prepared meals at Swift Elementary School but did not make direct contact with families picking up meals curbside, according to an Arlington ISD news release.
The person began exhibiting symptoms late Friday and sought medical attention, the release stated. The test returned positive Sunday morning.
The district will disinfect the facility and notify other employees about their potential exposure. Those who had close contact with the employee who tested positive will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.
There are approximately 15 employees on the campus daily.
Employees working in the meal distribution program are required to wear a face covering and protective gloves and practice social distancing at all times.
Tarrant County Public Health advises that the risk of anyone contracting COVID-19 from picking up food at Swift is very low, according to the news release.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website states that it is unlikely to contract the coronavirus through food products, although additional investigation is needed.
Swift will be closed at least a week, said Anita Foster, Arlington ISD’s marketing and communications executive director. There are four additional meal distribution locations close to the school, so if there are no logistical issues, Swift may remain closed.
It serves around 530 kids during the week, Foster said.
Since March 16, Arlington ISD has served breakfast and lunch daily to about 14,000 students at 23 locations.
The district said there will be no interruptions to the other meal distribution centers, and those who picked meals up at Swift Elementary School are advised to visit another location.
