BVA schools report two more COVID-19 cases

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

The Belle Vernon Area School District Monday reported two new cases of COVID-19, one at the high school Jan. 26 and one at Rostraver Elementary School Jan. 28.

The case at the high school brings the number of cases in a 14-day rolling period to three, just below the threshold under the state matrix that could trigger a building closure of at least three days.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, a school with a population between 500 and 900 students, such as the high school and the elementary school, should be closed for at least three days for deep cleaning if there are four to six positive cases among the students and staff within 14 days. 

The length of the closure would depend on the level of transmission in the county.

Both Westmoreland and Fayette counties are currently listed by the state as being in the substantial category for community transmission.

District Superintendent Dr. Michele Dowell urges parents to keep their children home if they exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19.

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