KENNEWICK, WA – Officials with the Finley School District say 1st graders at Finley Elementary will transition to fully remove learning after a staff member at the school tested positive for COVID-19.

For now, the transition only impacts first grade students in both Cohort A and B, and amounts to a 2-week quarantine.


The students are scheduled to return to hybrid learning on Monday, November 23rd, barring any additional infections.


"We are working closely with the Benton Franklin Health District to identify any other close contacts," school officials confirmed through a press release Tuesday. "If a student or staff member has been determined to be a close contact, they will be contacted by the Benton Franklin Health District with further instructions."


Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet for a cumulative total of 15 or more minutes over a 24-hour period with anyone with confirmed COVID-19 during the infectious period. Students and staff who are not contacted do not need to do anything further at this time. 


The school office has already contacted parents of all first grade students, and a notification call will be sent to these families with further instructions on Wednesday, November 11.  

More From 610 KONA