Hopewell, Freedom students test positive for covid-19, superintendents say

Two Beaver County school districts have confirmed positive cases of covid-19 among students.

A senior at Hopewell High School has tested positive for covid-19, according to a letter from the district to parents. At Freedom Area, the district announced on its website that a few students on the girl’s volleyball and soccer teams have tested positive.

Hopewell administration was notified of the case at the district’s high school Tuesday, Superintendent Michelle Miller said in the letter. The student was last in district buildings on Sept. 23.

“Since receiving this information, we have begun the process of identifying individuals that may have come in contact with this individual during the timeframe provided to us,” Miller wrote.

Miller said that the district will focus additional attention on cleaning and sanitizing rooms in which the student was present.

Hopewell Area School District has been in contact with the state Department of Health, which Miller said will conduct contract tracing and communicate with families. The district will share any recommendations from state health officials with families.

Miller encouraged families to monitor their children’s health and talk with their doctors when symptoms require attention.

The district has provided guidance on when children should be kept home from school.

Freedom Area did not disclose in its notice how many students on the girl’s volleyball and soccer teams tested positive. Superintendent Jeff Fuller said those students and their families have been asked to self-quarantine.

“Additionally, we have canceled all activities for both the girl’s volleyball and soccer teams through Monday, Oct. 5, to stem the spread of the virus,” Fuller’s notice said. “We will continue to monitor this situation and will adjust this plan as necessary.”