Boulevard Elementary Staffer Tests Positive For COVID-19

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — A Boulevard Elementary School staffer has tested positive for COVID-19, the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools announced.

The staffer was last in the Boulevard building on April 23. Crews have been cleaning and disinfecting the areas the staffer was in, including two classrooms and the teachers lounge.

Investigators do not believe the staffer had close contact with students or other Boulevard employees.

Ohioans who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer have to quarantine if they are exposed to someone who has the virus, a rule change made specifically to aid students throughout the Buckeye State.

The change allows teenagers who have been vaccinated to continue playing sports or participating in school activities even if they've encountered someone with COVID-19, Gov. Mike DeWine said this week. He believes the new health order will encourage even more teenagers to get the vaccine.

While the COVID-19 vaccination process continues statewide, the Heights Schools encourage members of the community to do their part to stymie the spread of the virus. Common sense safety practices include:

• Wearing a face mask
• Social distancing
• Frequent hand washing with soap and water
• Hand sanitizing when soap and water are not available
• Staying home when you do not feel well
• Disinfecting high-touch surfaces regularly
• Not sharing food, drinks, cups and utensils
• Avoiding crowds