Surge in virus cases prompts school closures

Hollidaysburg, Penn Cambria schools go virtual to combat rise

CRESSON -- Area schools are continuing to combat recent surges of COVID-19.

With positive cases districtwide, the Penn Cambria and Hollidaysburg Area School Districts both have enacted closures today.

"We're keeping a close eye on the situation," Penn Cambria Superintendent Bill Marshall said. "We are aware of the current climate, and we're just continuing to monitor the situation."

Penn Cambria has witnessed several positive cases for COVID-19 this past week, and the primary school closed Thursday after two positive cases.

The high school reached five positive cases Monday and transitioned to the remote model, and positive cases in the middle and high schools were reported Wednesday.

Marshall said the high school should return to face-to-face instruction today, and the primary school plans to return Monday.

Hollidaysburg Area also closed its doors today due to a rise in "active and pending" cases of COVID-19 in the area.

An email to parents said that new guidelines set a range of cases before district buildings must close.

Hollidaysburg Area Superintendent Robert Gildea said the district is taking a cautious approach to mitigate the spread.

"In most cases, we would not close a building until hitting the higher end of the range unless there is evidence of transmission occurring in the school," Gildea said Thursday in the email. "Although there is no strong evidence of transmission in the school buildings, after consultation with (the Department of Health), it has been determined that because of the number of active and pending cases within the district, a closure is justified to help reduce the likelihood of further spread."

While Penn Cambria has experienced positive cases of COVID-19, Marshall said the majority of cases have occurred "out of the school."

"Our students have done an excellent job at following all COVID-19 protocols," Marshall said. "If we do receive a positive case, there aren't many students that need to quarantine because nobody is in close proximity to one another. They have done such a great job of following the rules and social-distancing."

Marshall said the different learning phases this year have not been easy for students, teachers and parents.

Despite students transitioning from working at home to learning in the classroom, Marshall said he is pleased with how they have performed.

"The students and faculty have been working extremely hard," Marshall said. "They are taking care of business in the classroom, and I'm proud of all of them for their efforts."

Mirror Staff Writer Calem Illig is at 814-946-7535.