PITTSBURGH -- The North Hills School District learned on Saturday morning, Aug. 29, 2020, that a third grade teacher at Highcliff Elementary School has tested positive for COVID-19.
The teacher was in the building on Monday, Aug. 24, Tuesday, Aug. 25 and Wednesday, Aug. 26. Her symptoms began on Wednesday evening so she did not return to the classroom on Thursday or Friday.
She was tested on Thursday and received the positive result Saturday morning, Aug. 29.
The teacher immediately notified the district who contacted the Allegheny County Health Department.
The North Hills School District and the Allegheny County Health Department are taking all recommended steps to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Highcliff Elementary School Principal Kristy Bilderback will be notifying the families whose students were in the teacher's class on Tuesday and Wednesday, and anyone else who had close contact with her while she was in the building this week. The Allegheny County Health Department will contact anyone who had close contact with the teacher, in the event additional close contacts are identified.
Students were in all of our school buildings for four days this week, Tuesday, Aug. 25 through Friday, Aug. 28, at 25 percent capacity each day. During this time, all aspects of the district’s health and safety plan were followed at all times. All students begin full virtual instruction on Monday as planned.
Following Allegheny County Health Department guidance, the teacher will remain in isolation for the 10-day period beginning Aug. 29.
Anyone who experiences any of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 is urged to contact their primary care physician immediately.
The health and safety of our students and staff is paramount. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate through this pandemic.