Covid-19 case at Robinson school prompts Pittsburgh diocese to halt in-person kindergarten there

A covid-19 case has prompted the Diocese of Pittsburgh to cancel in-person instruction for kindergartners at Archangel Gabriel Catholic School in Robinson for the next two weeks.

“I feel badly that some of our students will temporarily miss out on in-person learning and activities, but doing all we can to keep everyone safe and healthy is our priority,” Principal Cathy Militzer said in a statement. “We will be happy to stay connected to our students online and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to school soon.”

Officials learned Saturday that “a person associated with one of the kindergarten classes” at the school tested positive for the coronavirus disease, according to a news release from the diocese.

Students will shift to online learning for at least 14 days.

“Following all health and safety protocols, the school principal reported the case to the Allegheny County Health Department and notified school families,” the diocese’s news release said. “No building closure is warranted.”

The diocese similarly shifted a first-grade class at Butler Catholic Elementary School to virtual learning after a person in contact with the class tested positive for covid-19.

On Friday, the Pittsburgh diocese announced several other coronavirus-related updates, including the closure of St. Louise De Marillac Catholic School in Upper Saint Clair.

The diocese previously reported that students in an eighth-grade homeroom had been sent home and St. Louise De Marillac’s football program had been temporarily suspended after two people at the school tested positive. Now the entire school will be closed and students will learn online until Nov. 2 because of a third positive test, according to the diocese.

The girl’s soccer team at St. James School in Sewickley remains temporarily shut down. The boy’s soccer program at North Catholic High School is scheduled to resume practicing Monday after quarantining because of a potential covid-19 exposure.

Officials said diocesan schools that remain open will continue to meet all local, state and federal guidance and public health directives, including wearing face coverings, social distancing, hand-sanitizing and frequently cleaning facilities.