Plum High School Closes After More Coronavirus Cases Confirmed

PLUM, PA — Plum High School will be closed until at least Dec. 1 after three additional students tested positive for the coronavirus. Two of the three students attended a parent-sponsored event last weekend that drew sharp criticism Wednesday from Allegheny County Health Director Dr. Debra Bogen.

All athletics and activities at the high school also are postponed until at least Dec. 1.

Three students who attended the Plum High Class of 2021 Senior Parent Committee's Homecoming Dance last weekend now have tested positive for the virus. According to the district, masks were not required at all times and social distancing was not maintained during the dance.

About 150 students and families attended the event at the Five Pine Barn in Irwin, Westmoreland County.

At a news conference Wednesday in which Bogen issued a stay-at-home advisory for the county because of soaring coronavirus cases, she admonished the parents who organized the dance for their reluctance to identify those who attended it.

“So far, those who organized the dance have not shared the attendance list with the school or the health department,” Bogen said. “This level of disregard for public health in our community, frankly makes me angry.”

In a letter to families Wednesday, the district stated that it finally had a list of students who attended the event and that contact tracing was being initiated.