On January 13, 2021, the South Park School District was notified of four additional positive COVID-19 cases. A high school student who is a member of the boys’ basketball team, a third-party contracted employee who works out of South Park High School and two elementary center students have tested positive for COVID-19. The high school student did not attend classes this week but did participate in JV/varsity practice on January 11. The third-party contracted employee was last in the high school on January 12. The elementary center students did not attend in-person classes this week.
The two high school cases will count towards the high school’s 14-day rolling total, as outlined by the Pennsylvania Departments of Health and Education. Since the elementary center students did not attend in-person classes, the elementary cases will not be included in the elementary center’s 14-day rolling total.
The JV and varsity boys’ basketball program will be shut down through at least Thursday, January 21, 2021.
We remain in regular communication with the Allegheny County Health Department. The district will adhere to all guidance and recommendations provided to us by public health officials.
Contact tracing at South Park High School is ongoing, and close contacts from the high school will be directed to quarantine.
Our facilities staff continues to focus on the thorough cleaning of all district buildings.
The individuals will not return to school/work until the isolation period has concluded.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports individuals with COVID-19 may have mild to severe illness, and symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may include:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Individuals who exhibit any of these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
The health and wellbeing of our students, faculty, staff and community are our primary concern. We will continue to monitor the situation and notify families and staff of any additional actions that may need to be taken.
This communication is being shared with all district families and staff as part of the procedures outlined in the district’s Health and Safety Plan approved by the Board of Directors on Tuesday, July 28. We will not release any additional information due to confidentiality and patient privacy laws.
If your child or an immediate family member tests positive for COVID-19 or if your child is told to quarantine, please contact your school nurse as soon as possible.
If you have questions about COVID-19, please contact your healthcare provider, click here to visit the CDC website, or call 211.