2nd participant in Valley High School NYC trip tests positive for coronavirus

A second person who went on a trip to New York City with the Valley High School marching band has tested positive for the coronavirus that causes covid-19, the New Kensington-Arnold School District said Sunday.

The second person is a district employee, the district said. The first is an employee’s spouse.

Neither has been identified.

The employee and his or her household are quarantined, according to the district.

“While there is no objective proof of the source, coincidentally, this recent case was a member of the group that traveled to New York City on the band boosters’ academic field trip,” the district said in a news release.

About 102 people — students, staff and chaperones — were in the group that traveled by bus to New York City from March 5 to March 8.

The state of New York declared a state of emergency March 7 because of the spread of the virus. New York City declared a state of emergency March 12.

The incubation period for the coronavirus — the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms — ranges from one to 14 days and is most commonly about five days, according to the World Health Organization.

“The participants may have been exposed to the coronavirus. However, given the 14-day incubation period, adequate time has likely passed and the incubation period for these participants should close by Monday, March 23,” the district’s statement said.

Anyone who participated in the trip and is exhibiting symptoms such as cough, fever, fatigue and difficulty breathing should contact their physician, the district said.

“To date, no other participants that went on the field trip have reported to the district any symptoms or have self-quarantined,” the district said.

The district said its custodial staff is deep cleaning and disinfecting all classrooms and buildings.

The district’s “grab and go” student meals will continue from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays.