An employee for the company that drives school buses for the Spokane School district has died amidst a COVID-19 outbreak.
The employee was one of more than two dozen who has tested positive during an outbreak among Durham School Services workers. Durham contracts with Spokane Public Schools to provide bus services to the district.
Sandra Jarrard, a spokeswoman for Spokane Public Schools, said there is not evidence of transmission on school buses and said the district was monitoring the situation. She said the outbreak had intensified some delays in bus service to students and families should contact the district if they have concerns.
Spokane Public Schools released a statement Thursday offering condolences to the family of the person who died:
"We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a Durham School Services employee, and our thoughts are with the employee’s family and friends during this very difficult time. Every individual who works with our students plays an important role in the work that we do as a district."
In a statement Friday Ed Flavin, a spokesman for Durham School Services, said 28 employees had tested positive in the last month and 22 are currently quarantined. He said some infected employees are roommates, or family members and several said they were exposed outside of the workplace.
He said workers are subject to daily health screenings, social distancing disinfecting protocols.
