MV lifeguard, family member self-quarantine

One tests positive for COVID-19, the other tests negative
A seasonal city employee who works at the Mt. Vernon City Pool as a lifeguard went into self-quarantine after learning two of the people with whom he served on active duty in the National Guard tested positive for COVID-19. The lifeguard eventually tested positive, as well. Additionally, a family member of the lifeguard, who also works at the pool, self-quarantined although tested negative.
City Administrator Max Springer explained the situation to the Mt. Vernon Board of Aldermen during their meeting on Tuesday, June 23. According to his report, the employee was serving in Kansas City during the protests there. He served on active duty for two to three days, and then returned home.
The employee worked as a lifeguard on Friday, June 12, and learned the following Sunday that two members of his group had tested positive for the COVID-19. He texted the pool manager after learning this to let her know and did not go to work that day, though he was scheduled to.
 “He didn’t know anything about it until Sunday,” Springer said. “He worked Friday (but) didn’t know anything about anybody being positive until Sunday.” Springer also said there was no way to know if the lifeguard was positive for the virus on the day he worked.
Springer said the lifeguard’s family member went to work on the morning of Monday, June 15, and was at work for an hour before being sent home.
“We followed all the guidelines (and) called the health department,” Springer told the board. “We turned the case over to them and followed their recommendations to us. We called the National Guard to confirm that there was an exposure.”
Springer said both individuals were told to self-quarantine and hadn’t been to work since the 15th.
The lifeguard was asymptomatic the entire time, and was allowed to return to work on Monday, June 29. The other employee, Springer reported, tested negative and was absent any symptoms of COVID-19, will be allowed to return to work on Wednesday, July 1. Per state regulations, the identities of the two individuals are being kept confidential.
In his report, Springer said the city is working with the Lawrence County Health Department and any inquiries should be directed to them.
“We have followed all protocols issued by the CDC and the Health Department,” Springer wrote in his report.
A phone message to the Health Department seeking comment had received no answer as of press time.
The Lawrence County Health Department can be reached at (417) 466-2201.