ST CHARLES, Mo. — Two student athletes and a teacher at St. Charles West High School have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Chris Bennett, communications coordinator for the City of St. Charles School District, confirmed the positive tests involving students Tuesday morning.
School officials said they believe the virus was passed outside of the school.
"We don’t believe it was passed along at practice or at the school; we feel like that was happening outside of school and it was a gathering some of the kids were at," superintendent Dr. Jason Sefrit said.
Sefrit didn't say which sport the students were involved in but said it is a fall sport. He said the entire team is quarantining until further notice.
"At this point, because it’s such a fluid situation with an actual team practicing, we felt to quarantine the whole time at this point," he said.
The students who tested positive are experiencing mild symptoms and are doing fine, Sefrit said.
Sefrit also confirmed a teacher — who is also a coach — tested positive as well. The teacher hasn't had any contact with the students who have the virus, Sefrit explained.
“That staff member hasn’t been around students or staff for at least two weeks, so we feel very confident that is an isolated case but obviously that person is quarantining and working with the health department as well,” Sefrit said.
According to the school's website, fall practices began on Aug. 10.
Bennett said although there is no proof the positive tests are related to team activities, activities have been put on hold until further notice as a precaution.
The school will continue with its safety protocols which include disinfection and sanitation, mask policy, social distancing guidelines and isolating and tracking illness.
Click here for more information on the school district's sports activities guidelines.
