Coronavirus: Waco ISD Principal Dies After Testing Positive For COVID-19

WACO, TX – McLennan County has confirmed its first death from COVID-19 complications. County officials confirmed the patient was Phillip Perry, principal of G.W. Carver Middle School.

According to the Waco Tribune-Herald, last Sunday night the district announced the 49-year-old had tested positive for Coronavirus. Perry had been the middle school principal since May of last year.

Waco ISD closed its campuses since March 16, but teachers, administrators, and other staff have been to the facilities as they work to coordinate online classes for students.

Waco ISD Superintendent Susan Kincannon advised that all those who had been in contact with Perry since March 20th should monitor their symptoms and notify their healthcare providers. She also advised them to isolate themselves for at 14 days if they had been in close contact with Perry. Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes.

The district confirmed Perry was on campus on March 20 helping prepare at-home instruction packets for students to pick up. He was also on campus on March 23 while students picked up packets.

Staff and teachers were provided gloves and facemasks to wear while they prepared the packets, but it is unknown how many people were in contact with the principal during those two days or if Perry wore the equipment.

There are currently 39 confirmed cases of coronavirus in McLennan County. Of those patients, seven have been hospitalized and four are in critical condition; six of them have recovered.