2 Leechburg Area students test positive for covid
Two students in grades 6-12 at Leechburg Area High School have tested positive for covid-19.
Students and staff returned to face-to-face instruction Monday, Jan. 11.
In an email to district families Friday, Superintendent Tiffany Nix outlined the latest covid-19 updates for all students in grades K-12.
Nix said because the two affected students were last on campus Dec. 18, no quarantine or contract tracing is required from the school’s perspective.
“As part of our covid-19 safety protocol, each student and staff are required to pass a health screen and temperature check each day,” Nix wrote. “The safety of our community is our top priority.”
Nix identified the areas on campus that are cleaned and sanitized twice daily as all common areas, classrooms, restrooms and dining areas.
“The district is sprayed with disinfectant every night,” Nix wrote. “We are following the safety requirements, and beyond, as put forth by the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.”
Nix reported 170 students — 58 in elementary and 112 in middle/high school — are opting to learn from home. That’s up from 150 students in December.
The district has 750 students in grades K-12.
Sports and extracurricular activities resumed Jan. 4.
All students learn remotely Wednesdays. That’s when the schools are sanitized.
Addressing a covid-19 vaccination question regarding the student body, Nix said the district will not be providing covid-19 vaccines to students.
“Please know that to the best of my knowledge today (Friday), this is not the case,” Nix wrote. “In fact, at this point, there is not a (covid) vaccine that is approved for children under the age of 16.”
Nix apologized to district families for any confusion on the vaccination front and thanked everyone for their patience and cooperation.
She said parents with questions about the covid-19 vaccine in regards to their children should consult medical professionals.
“I encourage you to reach out to their doctor for further guidance on if and when your child should receive the vaccine,” Nix wrote.
Nix said covid-19 vaccines are in the works for district staff members.
“Yes, eventually,” Nix wrote in an email Friday. “No word yet as to when.”
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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