40 Coronavirus Cases Reported In Vestavia Schools

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL — As students and teachers dismiss this week for Thanksgiving, many systems have reported coronavirus cases on the rise in their schools. Vestavia Hills City Schools reported 40 cases of COVID-19 in the school system during the week ending Nov. 20.

Considering the size of the school system, the number of cases reported is low, compared to systems of the same size.

"In order for us to return safely after Thanksgiving, it is important that you continue to follow the 4Habits 4Health while you are away from school," the school system said in a statement issued to students and parents Monday. "These practices have helped to keep the number of reported COVID-19 cases in our schools low. We need you to partner with us in these healthy habits to ensure we can continue regular instructional activities after the Thanksgiving break."

Local education agencies are requested, although not required, to enter the number of new COVID-19 cases among students and employees of which they are aware on a weekly basis. The ADPH does not indicate or imply that any or all of the cases reported were infected while at school facilities.

The Alabama State Department of Education has reported 2,261 cases of the virus in schools statewide, with 1,592 of those cases coming in the last week.