SARPY COUNTY, Neb. (KMTV) — The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Sarpy/Cass Health Department received negative test results on a possible case in the area according to a press release Saturday.
"With the best interest of Nebraskans in mind, we exercised extreme caution and treated this as a potentially positive case," the release from DHHS said.
Sarah Schram, director of the Sarpy/Cass Health Department, said in a press conference Saturday morning that there was a 65-year-old individual being assessed for risk of coronavirus in Sarpy County.
Less than ten individuals came in contact with this person at Marrs Magnet Middle School, according to Schram. No children came in contact, according to an OPS spokesperson.
Below is an e-mail sent out to staff and families about the situation before the negative test result came back:
We are writing to you because the health and safety of our staff, students and families is our priority. We value open communication with our community.
This evening, we received information that both the Douglas County and Sarpy/Cass Health Departments are monitoring a possible case of COVID-19 in the community. Health investigators say the test for that diagnosis is inconclusive at this time. This possible case is separate from the one identified in the community earlier Friday.
We are writing to you because this individual visited Marrs Magnet Center earlier in the week. Investigators believe the risk for exposure is low. Staff members who had the most direct contact with the visitor have heard directly from the health department. It is out of an abundance of caution that we share this information with you, so you may be aware.
The Douglas County Health Department hotline is available for any questions you may have. That number is 402-444-3400. With Spring Break underway, students and the vast majority of our staff are out of the building and we are beginning a deep clean of the school immediately.
Because health officials are continuing their investigation, we commit to keeping you informed as we receive updates.
Thank you for your partnership and support.