Local

North Iredell HS closes after 4 employees test positive for COVID-19

North Iredell High School (Iredell-Statesville Schools)

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — Four North Iredell High School employees have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to Iredell-Statesville Schools.

To reduce the spread of COVID-19 on the school campus and in the community, I-SS has closed both NIHS and the Agriculture Science Early College until further notice. No other people at the school have shown signs or symptoms associated with COVID-19, officials said.

>> Have questions about the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the Carolinas? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the outbreak -- CLICK HERE FOR MORE.

“The North Iredell High School campus is a community hub,” stated Superintendent Brady Johnson. “By closing the campus, the I-SS is fulfilling their civic duty to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

All phone calls are being forwarded to administrators and all employees began working virtually Wednesday morning. Emails are also still being monitored. Employees will be working virtually until advised by I-SS.

I-SS is working with the Iredell County Health Department to conduct contact tracing.

Summer athletic conditioning for middle and high school athletes will begin across I-SS on Monday, June 15. The North Iredell High School campus will be closed, but NIHS athletes will condition on other I-SS campuses. Information regarding specific conditioning schedules and locations will be forthcoming for all NIHS athletes.

>> We’ll bring you LIVE updates on Channel 9 Eyewitness News. Get extended coverage on the free WSOC Now app on Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV.

Student participation in athletic conditioning is completely voluntary. Screening measures are in place, as well as strict social distancing and cleaning measures. Students will gather in small groups for individual sport conditioning.

The Iredell County Health Department has encouraged I-SS to follow CDC guidelines and state directives meant to slow the spread of COVID-19. This includes screening of employees and social distancing. I-SS has also implemented enhanced cleaning of facilities across the district.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services considers five or more cases on a school campus to be an outbreak.

0