Covid cases reported in Hempfield Area schools during 1st week after holiday break

Days after students in the Hempfield Area School District returned to school buildings following the holiday break, new covid-19 cases were reported.

According to a tracker posted on the district’s website, there are five active cases among students and staffers, which are identified as individuals who were in school buildings when infectious, said Superintendent Tammy Wolicki. Of those cases, three are students and two are staff. The first case was reported Tuesday.

One case was identified at each middle school — Harrold, Wendover and West Hempfield, along with two at the high school.

As of Friday, 29 staff members were quarantined across the district. Of that, one is at Fort Allen Elementary, three at Harrold Middle, nine at the high school, five at Stanwood Elementary, two at Wendover, three at West Hempfield Elementary, four at West Hempfield Middle and two at West Point Elementary.

No cases or quarantines have been reported at Maxwell Elementary.

All cases were identified after students returned to in-person classes Monday. High school and middle school students are attending lessons through a hybrid model, or a mix of in-person and online learning. Elementary students attend in-person classes five days a week.

Prior to the break, students were attending classes virtually as covid-19 cases continued to spike across the region. Any cases recorded over the break are not included in the data.

In a Jan. 3 letter to parents, Wolicki reiterated the importance of wearing face coverings to help mitigate the spread of the virus.

“Your support in this regard will help us to maintain a safe learning environment for all,” she said.