Football, 8th-grade homeroom suspended at Upper St. Clair Catholic school after covid-19 strikes

Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh officials have suspended the football program and eighth grade homeroom at St. Louise de Marillac Catholic School after two people tested positive for covid-19.

Diocesan spokesman Bob DeWitt said Thursday that he could not confirm if the positive cases involved students or staff due to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) rules.

The two people are recovering at home with no serious symptoms, DeWitt reported.

As part of the response and state Department of Health protocols, 23 homeroom students and nearly 50 people involved with the football program will quarantine for 14 days. They will continue classes online.

“We have been very cautious every day with all of our covid-19 precautionary measures,” said Kenneth Klase, principal at the pre-K to eighth grade elementary school. “Temperature checks, mask wearing, social distancing in the classroom, cafeteria and playground have all been put into place.

“We are making this difficult decision out of an abundance of caution, and with the health and safety of our students and faculty as our top priority during these difficult times.”

DeWitt could not confirm if the football program would resume after the 14-day quarantine, which started Thursday.

School administrators, along with representatives from the Allegheny County Health Department, will continue to monitor the situation and update school families.

Officials said guidance from the Allegheny County Health Department determined that a building closure was not warranted.

“Ken and his team are doing an outstanding job balancing health, safety and classroom instruction,” Director of Catholic Schools Michelle Peduto said via news release. “I am extremely proud of the collaborative spirit of our administrators, teachers and parents across the Diocese as we continue to educate our students.”