McKeesport student has COVID-19

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

A Founders’ Hall Middle School student has tested positive for COVID-19.

In a Sept. 15 letter to parents obtained by the Mon Valley Independent, the McKeesport Area School District Pandemic Team, which includes Coordinator of Student Services Pamela Gordon, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tia Wanzo and district spokeswoman Kristen James, stated that the student “will remain isolated at home for at least two weeks until their symptoms have passed and they are able to return.”

The student has not been publicly identified. 

James, in an email to the MVI on Tuesday, said the district cannot confirm what grade the student is in or where or when the student was exposed to the virus. James said the district feels it would be a violation of the student’s privacy and of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules and regulations.

“The only information that I can release is that from the letter,” she said in the email.

James confirmed there will not be any closures of school facilities as a result of the student testing positive.

“Our buildings are being deep cleaned each and every day and throughout each day,” she said.

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