On Sunday, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) notified parents and students that the “Grab and Go” student meal service provided at seven school sites would be temporarily suspended starting Monday, March 30 until further notice expected later this week.
The decision came after district officials learned that a PUSD employee working at one of the central kitchens may be diagnosed with COVID-19.
PUSD is working with neighboring school districts to provide meals to students who depend on the program. The district is awaiting confirmation and will then share information on where students can pick up meals.
“The health and safety of our students and staff is our first priority. When we learn of a suspected case in our operations, we follow CDC (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines, inform other staff who may have come into close contact with the staff member, and consult with the local health department to determine appropriate measures,” said PUSD Superintendent Brian McDonald.
After consulting with the Pasadena Public Health Department, PUSD is cleaning and sanitizing its kitchens and facilities to minimize any risk of surface transmission. Once the work is complete the facilities will reopen and students will once again distribute meals to students.
According to McDonald, the diagnosis of COVID-19 is not confirmed at this time.
