PITTSBURGH (March 11, 2020) -- The North Hills School District is postponing its town hall “The Dangers of Vaping” set for Thursday, March 19, after Allegheny Health Network released new coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines today, Wednesday, March 11, that restrict its doctors from attending large public meetings and gatherings.
Allegheny Health Network pulmonologists Dr. Briana DiSilvio and Dr. Meilin Young were scheduled to be featured presenters at the town hall.
While there are no confirmed coronavirus cases in Allegheny County or western Pennsylvania, Allegheny Health Network told NHSD, in part, it wants to protect its doctors and staff by limiting their exposure in public areas.
AHN’s new, temporary restrictions also include patient visitation at its hospitals.
"At a time of heightened public health concerns related to both COVID-19 and a particularly severe influenza season, it is critical that we take every step possible to protect our patients and caregivers from the risk of exposure to infectious disease,” Brian Parker, MD, AHN’s Chief Quality Officer, said in a statement.
At this time, North Hills School District is continuing operations as usual but closely following the direction from the state health and education departments, and Centers for Disease Control, with our primary goal being to preserve the health and safety of our students and staff.
Our teachers and school nurses continue to reinforce the behaviors of good hygiene, and our custodians have increased their cleaning efforts to limit the spread of germs.
The district has launched a new website to keep families, staff and community members apprised of the latest information.
NHSD will look to reschedule “The Dangers of Vaping” at a later date.