Your headlines about covid-19 continue to say, “Lexington County schools infected.”

Actually, schools are not infected. Just like they are not infected with flu, whooping cough, head lice, chickenpox, etc.

Some individuals in the school have tested positive for covid-19. And what we are finding is, they didn’t get exposed to it at school. Most were exposed at family gatherings, parties or other events.

They begin to exhibit symptoms.

They go to the doctor.

They test positive.

And because they are a student or staff member, they end up on our list.

Then we have to go back 48 hours (could be contagious) and quarantine any close contacts they have had (within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes).

Mary Beth Hill, Lexington

Ms Hill is chief communications officer of Lexington School District 1.

Editor’s note: We agree with Ms. Hill. Buildings can be infectious but not infected. Only living humans and possibly other animals can be infected. In future we will refer to this as “school infections.”