Hempfield Area School District reports more cases of coronavirus

The Hempfield Area School District reported several new coronavirus cases Monday.

One teacher each at Harrold Middle, Hempfield Area High and Maxwell Elementary schools, along with a student at West Hempfield Elementary and three teachers with Hempfield Area Cyber Academy, reported positive tests over the weekend and on Monday, said Superintendent Tammy Wolicki.

People who came in close contact with those who tested positive were notified by the state Department of Health. They are required to quarantine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week revised the definition of a close contact to mean someone who is within 6 feet of a positive case for an accumulation of 15 minutes within a 24-hour period.

The district has seen several coronavirus cases this month. During a board meeting last week, Wolicki said that between Oct. 12-19, 17 students and four staffers tested positive. At the time, 142 students and 16 employees were quarantining.

Of those cases, 11 were at the high school and three were at Wendover. Harrold and West Hempfield middle schools and West Hempfield Elementary each had one case. Those increased numbers, however, caused the high school to temporarily shutter last week to help curb the spread of the virus.

Board members are hosting a special meeting at 7 p.m. Monday to discuss the possibility of returning to fully remote learning. The meeting will be held in the high school auditorium.

Wolicki reminded staff and students that wearing face masks, maintaining social distancing and hand washing are “critical in reducing the risk of spread.” Students and staff are also reminded to self-screen for symptoms daily. Anyone who is symptomatic or has been in close contact with a positive case should stay home and contact the school nurse.