Coronavirus Cases In Mountain Brook, Superintendent Says

MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL—Several of the 22 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Alabama are in the Mountain Brook community, according to the district's school superintendent.

Mountain Brook City Schools Superintendent Dicky Barlow confirmed the information Sunday in a letter to parents.

"In the last 12 hours, we have learned that there are multiple confirmed cases of the virus in our community," Barlow said.

As of Monday, there are currently 12 cases in Jefferson County, according to Alabama Public Health.

Mountain Brook Schools’ officially closed March 16 amid coronavirus concerns. The school district will remain closed until April 6.

"While we do believe we're equipped to utilize e-learning, we believe it's more important for all members of our school community to focus on their health and safety during this uncertain time," he said in the letter.

Read Superintendent Dicky Barlow’s letter in its entirety below:

MBS Parents,

We have continued to monitor COVID-19 closely so that we can respond in a supportive and prudent manner. In the last 12 hours, we have learned that there are multiple confirmed cases of the virus in our community.

Even after hiring professional cleaners to disinfect our schools this weekend, we have decided it is in the best interest of all families, faculty, and staff to close schools completely Monday to Wednesday.

While we do believe we're equipped to utilize e-learning, we believe it's more important for all members of our school community to focus on their health and safety during this uncertain time.

Our school district will remain closed until April 6. While we are tentatively scheduled to reopen on that day, we will be reassessing the situation over the break. Mountain Brook Schools will continue to prepare for e-learning should it become necessary later in the semester.

Please note that all schools will be closed during the break and will not be open to employees. All school-related activities also are canceled. Furthermore, our Chromebook pickup plan is suspended until further notice.

If you need to pick up prescribed medication for your student, please email your school nurse to arrange a pickup time between 8 a.m. and noon Monday.

In this unprecedented situation, we as a school system want to provide as much support as possible. If you or anyone in your family exhibits COVID-19 symptoms, we encourage you to call your physician, take care of yourself, and consider communicating a positive test with the school system.

Please know that our hearts are with all of you as you navigate this difficult
situation.

Sincerely,
Dicky Barlow
Superintendent
Mountain Brook School