Hempfield Area High School to remain closed early this week

Hempfield Area High School will remain closed early this week after two more students tested positive for covid-19, officials said.

Students who were originally scheduled to return to in-person classes Monday following a five day closure after three students tested positive for the virus last week will now continue with online learning through Tuesday following the additional cases, Superintendent Tammy Wolicki said.

A decision on whether the school will reopen starting Wednesday will be based on if any additional cases are reported over the next few days.

“We will be closely monitoring this situation and following all directions provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health as they work through the contact tracing process,” Wolicki wrote in a letter to parents Friday. “The only individuals who need to quarantine are those who have been personally contacted by the Department of Health.”

Students are able to continue receiving free meals Monday and Tuesday. Meals can be picked up at the main entrance of the high school from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

According to Wolicki, athletics and extracurricular activities are set to resume Wednesday.

The announcement of the extended closure came a day after district officials were notified of one positive case at Harrold Middle School, one positive case at Wendover Middle School. According to Wolicki, the schools are not required to close “due to the nature of these cases and the last known contact in the school.”

Anybody who was in close contact with a positive person was notified.

Wolicki reminded students and staff to self-screen for symptoms every day. Those who are symptomatic or who have been in close contact with a positive case should stay home and contact the school nurse.