3 Baldwin-Whitehall buildings closed after staffer tests positive for covid-19

Three Baldwin-Whitehall schools are closed for the remainder of the week after a substitute teacher tested positive for covid-19, district officials announced Monday night.

McAnnulty Elementary School, Whitehall Elementary School and J.E. Harrison Education Center are temporarily shuttered Tuesday through Friday after the substitute teacher worked in all three schools, said Superintendent Randal Lutz. Students will return to in-person classes Monday.

“Although we have worked with the faculty and determined that mitigation efforts had been in place, circumstances specific to this situation have created concern,” Lutz said. “During contract tracing protocols the district has normally been able to clearly define areas of potential exposure. In this instance that was not able to occur due to the extensive nature of the substitute teacher’s assignments. As such, we believe that additional measures are appropriate at this time.”

Typically, schools are required to close if two or more students and staff in the same building test positive for the virus within a 14 day period. The number of days the school is closed is based on the number of cases as well as the level of community transmission at the time, according to the state Department of Education.

At Baldwin-Whitehall, students and staff identified as close contacts were placed in mandatory quarantine that will end Monday. They can return to class Tuesday.

During this time, students at those schools will engage in remote learning. The high school will continue with in-person classes as normal.

Lutz reminded parents to monitor children for symptoms of covid-19. If those symptoms occur, health care providers should be immediately contacted. Questions or concerns can be directed to school nurses or the Baldwin-Whitehall School District Health Outreach office at 412-885-6609.

“I realize that a school closure, even temporary, creates an incredible burden on students, parents and the community,” Lutz said. “I do not take these matters lightly. The safety of each student and faculty member is of utmost importance.”