PRIEST RIVER — Two Priest River Elementary staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.

However, West Bonner County School District officials said measures have been taken to ensure the health and safety of all. As a result, they said Panhandle Health District officials advised them they've taken the necessary steps to open as planned on Tuesday.

Letters were sent to all district staff and Priest River Elementary parents on Thursday advising them of the first positive test and another was sent Friday advising of the second positive test.

"One employee was already removed from the building before the bulk of our staff came back to school," WBCSD Clerk Jennifer Anselmo told The Daily Bee in an email. "One employee was present at our district staff back-to-school day [Sept. 1.], social distancing was in place and masks were given out."

Anselmo said the school district has been in contact with two health districts. Contract tracing has been completed and all individuals with close contact with the two staff members have been notified. Close contact is defined as 6 feet or more for more than 15 minutes.

Those employees will be tested five days from the day of potential exposure and quarantined in the meantime, she said.

The school district was assured it is safe to resume operations and open school as planned on Tuesday. Health district officials told WBCSD that anyone who had not been contacted via contact tracing was safe to be present at the school.

"We would urge everyone to continue to practice safety using social distancing and wearing masks, and monitor their own health," she said.

While the identifies of those who tested positive was not released to protect their privacy, WBCSD Superintendent Paul Anselmo told staff and parents in the letter that the district wanted to be upfront about the test results.

"I believe it is best to communicate transparently with you so you can make well-informed decisions for your family," Anselmo said in the letter. "There is nothing more important to West Bonner County School District than the safety and health of our students, our staff, and their families."

Health district officials recommended the district continue to use best practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Anselmo said the district will continue to follow all COVID-related safety procedures, including CDC recommendations, for cleaning and disinfecting its buildings.

As more cases are being confirmed across the state, including locally, Anselmo said the community must be vigilant and continue to be kind and respectful to others.

"Our greatest priority is the safety of our students, staff, and community members," she added. "It is important to remember that children are greatly influenced by the reactions of adults when facing difficult circumstances. I encourage everyone to remain calm and to be empathic and respectful to those affected."

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you or any member of your family exhibit these symptoms, please contact your medical provider for advice immediately. Symptoms usually appear 2-14 days after exposure.

COVID-19 is transmitted through person-to-person contact and through the exchange of respiratory droplets. CDC guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 

• Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. 

• Avoiding close contact with those who are sick. 

• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve. 

• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose. 

• Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects. 

• Staying at home when you are sick.

• Practicing social distancing, leaving at least six feet between you and other people. 

• Wearing a cloth mask in public when you cannot social distance.

Caroline Lobsinger can be reached by email at clobsinger@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.