COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina health officials said they were not consulted about an announcement made by Richland School District One about the coronavirus and said there appears to be no risk to any students there.
DHEC Director Dr. Rick Toomey addressed Monday Richland One's statement that five students and their family were self-quarantining due to coming into contact with someone being monitored for coronavirus.
Toomey said DHEC was not consulted and said they would have likely told the district those students' actions were unnecessary.
Gov. Henry McMaster said all schools and state government offices will remain open.
The district had said earlier in the afternoon that five students had indirect contact with someone being tested for the coronavirus. Families of the students have decided to place themselves under self-quarantine as a precaution.
The district says that the students are not exhibiting symptoms.
The district has notified the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Toomey asked districts to notify DHEC ahead of time before making any possible announcement.
DHEC is investigating and the district says they will follow their recommendations and guidance and are already cleaning and disinfecting all of our schools with EPA-approved products. They are also, they say, continuing to drive home the importance of hand washing to both students and staff. The district also has resources on their website.
The district sent out notifications to the teachers and staff at the schools that the students attended and have also notified all student's families.