4J staff member exposed to coronavirus; test results pending

In a press conference Thursday, Lane County Public Health shared that a staff member at 4J has been tested for coronavirus.

The virus.

We are continuing our team coverage tonight, with the impact the virus is having on college classes, first responder protocols, and those stuck inside quarantined.

But first we go to kezi 9 news reporter emma jerome live at lane county public health, with more on a 4-j staff member who is being tested right now for coronavirus.

Emma?

We've learned the employee is a bus driver.

Public health officials say the man came into contact with someone who has the virus and then went to work on march 10th and 11th.

According to the district email... the driver worked a small number of routes on two days last week.

The district also said that the kids who came into contact with the driver are not considered exposed or at an elevated risk of getting the virus.

"it's important to remember that this person has not tested positive for covid 19 yet so the children who were around this person are not necessarily considered an exposure" an exposure being someone who was in the space around an infected person 6 feet or closer for an hour or more.

Davis said that around 240 elementary to middle aged kids were in contact with the man in the time he was at work.

If you are a parent of a 4j student and you have concerns or questions you are encouraged to call the public health hotline at 682-1380 -- stating that you are a concerned parent and you will be connected with an infectious diseaase nurse to get your questions answered -- reporting live in eugene emma jerome kezi 9 news today at