Bucks County testing comes back negative after coronavirus exposure from out-of-state guest

DOYLESTOWN, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- All buildings in the Central Bucks School District will remain closed through the weekend for cleaning, after learning a person who tested positive for COVID-19 had contact with members of the school community.

Five schools were closed Friday after officials learned a person from another state tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a gathering at a Bucks County residence slightly less than two weeks ago.

Health officials tested all those who came in contact with the infected person and tests have come back negative.

"Test results received this evening all proved negative," Dr. David Damsker, director of the Bucks County Department of Health said.

He cautioned, however, that because 14-day incubation period will not end until Monday, "We need to remain vigilant during the rest of the weekend. If all goes well, I would hope we can re-open schools on Monday."
[Ads /]
No classes were held Friday at Butler Elementary School, Titus Elementary School, Tohickon Middle School, Tamanend Middle School and Central Bucks South High School.



On Friday afternoon school officials announced that no weekend events would be held in district buildings.

"We're disinfecting them, we're hitting all the hard surfaces. We're hitting all the appropriate areas - door knobs, high traffic areas. Places where people will be touching," said superintendent John Kopicki.

Get the latest updates on the COVID-19 outbreak at 6abc.com/coronavirus

Ed Benson of Jamison, Pa. got the email that his son's playoff basketball game this weekend would be postponed while the schools are being deep cleaned.

"Absolutely, they made the right call," said Benson.
[Ads /]
RELATED: Symptoms, prevention, and how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in the US




Damsker says the infected patient is from a state that borders Pennsylvania, and did not know they had the coronavirus at the time of the event.

Folks in the community we spoke to have been following the situation closely.
[Ads /]
"It's a little concerning. From what I hear and see people are definitely taking precautions," said Anne Dundon of Warrington Township.

No decision has been made about school on Monday.

School officials say they will work with Bucks County health officials over the weekend and will release information as it becomes available.

RELATED: How to combat and calm coronavirus COVID-19 anxiety