Charleroi Area staff member tests positive for COVID-19

By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com

A staff member at the Charleroi Area High/Middle School has tested positive for COVID-19.
On Wednesday, Superintendent Dr. Ed Zelich said the district was informed of the positive case.
In a letter to district parents, Zelich said the Pennsylvania Department of Health was immediately notified and provided guidance and protocols to follow.
According to DOH recommendations, only those who came in close contact with the individual will be required to quarantine.
The DOH defines close contact as an individual who was within 6 feet of a positive COVID-19 case for longer than 15 minutes.
Charleroi students went back to school on Monday for the first time since March.
For the first several weeks of school, Charleroi operated under a virtual learning model.
During a special meeting last month, school board directors agreed to shift to a hybrid plan, with students attending school four days a week and virtually on Fridays.
Zelich said the staff member was last in the building on Friday and did not have contact with students.
As per school policy, the school was deep cleaned over the weekend to prepare for student’s arrival and again after school Monday and Tuesday.
“While we have an obligation to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all members of our community, we also have an obligation to protect the privacy of individuals affected by this virus,” Zelich said. “Unless an individual has been personally contacted by the Department of Health or the school nurse, we can reasonably assure you that you have not been identified as a close contact of a positive case.”
Zelich said no district buildings are required to close because of the moderate level of community transmission in Washington County and only one positive case being reported within the past 14 days in the middle/high school.
Safety measures, such as hand washing and requirement of masks will continue, he added.
“It is important for students and staff to administer the Parent At-Home Health Screening Tool every day,” Zelich said. “If you are symptomatic or may have been in close contact with a positive case, you need to stay home and contact the school nurse immediately.
“Your cooperation with sharing information with our nurses and reporting any positive cases of COVID-19 within your family or close contacts is very important. The Charleroi Area School District cares about the health and safety of our entire learning community. We appreciate your diligence with our safety protocol.”