A South Butler County School District teacher tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday afternoon.

In a notification sent to parents, Superintendent David Foley said the teacher worked in the primary school and intermediate elementary school.

The employee was tested and received results Thursday and the district immediately notified the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Foley said.

Because of the time when the case was reported, the department did not initiate an investigation Thursday. The district has begun the process of contact tracing, using department guidance that includes identifying students and staff who may have been closer than 6 feet for more than 15 minutes without a mask, he said.

District officials do not believe any students had close contact because the teacher provides instruction with a mask and students are wearing masks throughout the school day, Foley said.

The investigation is ongoing, and the district will continue collaborating with the Department of Health. If further recommendations are suggested, the district will relay the information. School buildings will continue to be thoroughly sanitized, and school will operate as usual on Friday, Foley said.