Four Bristol Township School District employees had COVID-19.
In response to questions by this news organization following several tips, the school district confirmed the four workers have since recovered.
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Sources with knowledge of district operations said at least some of the cases involved staff members who were involved in the preparation of meals for students.
“All staff followed safety guidelines in food preparation both before and after the District learned of the positive cases. We continue to serve meals to our families to ensure everyone in need is able to access breakfast and lunch,” Superintendent Melanie Gehrens said.
According to the World Health Organization and U.S. Department of Agriculture, food has not been shown to be a route of transmission for coronavirus. Packaging used to hold food, merchandise, and other items are thought to be of lower risk for carrying the virus.
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“The same things you do to prevent infection with bacteria that cause foodborne illness, such as E. coli or salmonella, would protect you against any virus,” said Dr. James E. Rogers, Consumer Reports’ director of food safety research and testing.
“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bristol Township has followed the Department of Health’s guidelines for screening and cleaning. For additional protection, we ionize the kitchen and cafeteria daily. To keep everyone safe, all cafeteria employees have their temperature taken daily by a certified nurse and are asked a series of questions prior to starting their day. Anyone with any symptoms or high temperature are asked to stay home or are sent home immediately,” said Gehrens.
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The district, like others locally, have been providing breakfast and lunches at no cost to students through the federal student meal program since mid-March. The meals are being distributed at several school sites in Bristol Township.
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