PITTSBURGH -- A North Hills High School teacher who is also a North Hills High School football coach has tested positive for COVID-19.
The teacher developed symptoms on Saturday evening, Oct. 24, took a rapid test on Sunday, Oct. 25, and received the positive result.
The teacher was in the classroom with students on Friday, Oct. 23, and attended Friday’s football game at Fox Chapel but was wearing a mask and following social distancing guidelines to the extent possible at all times.
The Allegheny County Health Department will issue notices to those who need to quarantine. At this time, there are no students or student members of the football team who must quarantine.
After speaking with the teacher, Superintendent Dr. Patrick Mannarino consulted with a top Allegheny County Health Department official who determined quarantine of football student-athletes is not necessary due to when the coach’s symptoms began and because there was no close contact as defined by the CDC.
The CDC defines close contact as being within six feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more.
Football team members should monitor themselves for the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and contact their primary care physician immediately should symptoms develop.
While the quarantine period is 14 days, the Allegheny County Health Department says most infections occur in the first few days after exposure.
As we head into the cold and flu season and as COVID-19 cases climb across the state, please pay attention to your health, know the symptoms of coronavirus and if you are sick, please stay home.
The low number of those required to quarantine following this case only further support the importance of wearing a mask and maintaining a safe social distance to stop the spread of COVID-19. Please do your part and follow these guidelines when in public.
We know this is a difficult time for everyone. The health and safety of our students and staff is paramount and we assure you we are following the guidance of the most knowledgeable health officials in the county. Thank you for trusting us as we navigate this pandemic.
COVID-19 Tracker
NHSD coronavirus cases to date since the start of the 2020-21 school year can be viewed on the district’s COVID-19 tracker. Positive cases are no longer active after a 10-day isolation period per guidance from the Center for Disease Control.