A student in the Port Allegany School District has tested positive for COVID-19, the administration said in a letter to the community on Friday.

Superintendent Gary Buchsen said the district used contact tracing protocol to identify and notify anyone who had been in contact with the student.

“If you were not directly contacted by the school district, your child has not had close contact with the individual who tested positive,” he noted in the letter.

The student and anyone else who had been in contact with the student will not return to the school until Nov. 2, the superintendent stated.

“Classes for all other students will resume on Monday, October 26 at their regular times,” the letter read.

Buchsen went on to explain the symptoms of COVID-19: shortness of breath, coughing, and fever or chills. Other symptoms include congestion, sore throat, diarrhea, abdominal pain, body aches, and loss of taste or smell.

“Anyone who needs medical care should call their health care provider to report an illness or exposure to COVID-19 prior to seeking care. We ask that you notify the school office if your student begins to experience symptoms,” Buchsen stated.

“The health, safety, and well-being of our school community remains our top priority. We are following sound protocols aligned with expert health guidance to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect your health,” the letter continued.

He reiterated the precautions that everyone must take to stay healthy — wear masks, stay 6 feet apart and regularly wash hands.

“We are closely monitoring this situation and will provide you with updates if any further steps are necessary,” he noted.