U-Prep suspends in-person classes for 14 days after someone tests positive for COVID-19

University Preparatory School in Redding will transition to distance learning beginning Tuesday due to a confirmed coronavirus case.

School officials notified parents of the decision to move to virtual classes for the next 14 days in a voicemail and electronic letter that went out Monday night. Students will resume in-person instruction and athletic workouts on Oct. 5.

An employee who answered the phone at the school's office Tuesday morning confirmed the positive COVID-19.

The school did not disclose whether the case involves a student, employee or someone else who might have been on campus. 

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Students who were in close contact with the sick person will be notified on Tuesday and asked to quarantine at home for 14 days.

Chromebooks and laptops will be available for pickup at the front of the school from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, chills, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, nasal congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. 

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Parents are advised to contact their child's doctor if he or she develops COVID-19 symptoms.

Since the beginning of the school year in mid-August, 19 students and 5 school staff members have tested positive for COVID-19, the Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency had said Monday afternoon before U-Prep officials confirmed a virus case.

"It's important to know there has not been an identified case of transmission in schools," county public health spokeswoman Kerri Schuette had said. "That means that the schools' processes are working for ensuring that once a student is identified the transmission is stopping there." 

It is not clear whether the U-Prep case is part of the COVID-19 numbers released by the county on Monday afternoon.

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David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly "Buzz on the Street" column. He’s part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 1-530-225-8219. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today.