Since the beginning of the school year, eight employees of Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) have tested positive for COVID-19, the district said Friday, Oct. 9.<\/p>\n
There have been 21 COVID-19 cases reported among all K-12 schools statewide, according to an Oct. 8 state Department of Health COVID-19 Outbreak report. While the report does not specify which schools or districts the cases are linked to, data provided by FWPS supports that the Federal Way district accounts for more than one-third of these cases.<\/p>\n
The 2020-21 FWPS school year began on Sept. 8 and the number of cases stems from information available as of Oct. 9. The Federal Way district could not provide information as to how many of the eight cases are current infections.<\/p>\n
“For staff members who report a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, they’re asked to remain home, consult with their medical provider, and quarantine before returning to work,” said Kassie Swenson, chief of communications and strategy for FWPS.<\/p>\n
The district follows direction from Public Health – Seattle & King County regarding decision making, next steps, and health safety protocols for any potential or confirmed virus cases, she said. FWPS also follows Public Health’s lead on communication regarding potential exposure and all health privacy laws, including HIPAA.<\/p>\n
Specific school sites where the individuals with positive cases work are not available to the public due to privacy laws, Swenson said.<\/p>\n