Two employees at Smith Springs Elementary test positive for COVID-19

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Two employees at Smith Springs Elementary School tested positive for COVID-19, prompting 18 staff members to quarantine.

Metro Nashville Public Schools confirmed the positive cases Wednesday, saying one employee was tested on July 17, while the other was tested on July 19. The two staff members are not classroom teachers.

MNPS spokesperson Sean Braisted said 18 staff members were advised to quarantine on July 21, based on the recommendation of the Metro Public Health Department. None of them have reported positive tests.

Braisted said employees were at the school doing preparation and planning for the start of the school year. He said one of the employees who tested positive notified the district they received a follow-up test that was negative.

MNPS says all employees are required to go through temperature and symptom checks when entering the building. They are also required to wear masks when around other people.

“In the event an employee tests positive, MNPS will work with the Health Department to determine the scope of any potential exposure and identify close contacts who will be required to quarantine. Additionally, our school nurses are being trained to support contact tracing efforts,” Braisted said in a statement.

Metro Schools will begin the school year remotely on August 4and will continue virtual learning until at least Labor Day.