Gateway High School students return to school after 5-day covid-19 closure

Gateway High School students returned to class Monday after a five-day closure for covid-19 concerns.

Assistant Superintendent Dennis Chakey alerted families on Nov. 11 that three high school students tested positive for the virus.

In a letter posted to the district’s website, Chakey said the students had not been in the building for at least a week.

“The students are currently completing the required isolation period as directed by the Allegheny County Health Department,” Chakey wrote.

The cases bring the district’s total count to at least 25 students and staff who have tested positive in recent months.

School officials worked with the Allegheny County Health Department to complete contact tracing. The district reached out directly to families considered to have been in close contact with the infected students.

The health department defines close contact as someone who is within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from two days before the illness until the time of quarantine.

Meanwhile, high school students participated in remote learning, via Zoom, during the five-day closure.

“The health and safety of our students and staff remain our top priority,” Chakey said. “We will remain committed to keeping all members of our school community informed to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.”

The district has undergone several closures already this school year because of covid-19 concerns.

In September, Moss Side Middle School closed for five days after two staff members tested positive for the illness.

Last month, the total of confirmed cases jumped from 13 to 23 among staff and students at two buildings.