Santa Teresa coach tests positive for COVID-19

SANTA TERESA — A coach at Santa Teresa High School tested positive for COVID-19 Tuesday, and 26 students in the school’s volleyball program who had contact with the coach are required to quarantine, the Gadsden Independent School District announced.

The coach, who was not identified by name, reported not feeling well Monday, which had been the first day of practice for the team. The coach submitted to a COVID-19 test at a hospital and learned of the positive result Tuesday.

The district’s nursing department immediately began contact tracing to identify students and staff members who came into contact with the coach. Parents of the athletes who attended practice Monday were all contacted, the district said, to inform them the students must quarantine for 14 days.

Under district protocol, employees who test positive for COVID-19 must quarantine for 14 days and present a negative test before returning to their job assignment.

According to the district, the volleyball players were organized into “pods” consisting of nine students to one coach. The students were reportedly required to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Gadsden district schools remain closed with students continuing school through online instruction and remote learning.