57 Vestavia Schools Students Home With Positive COVID-19 Tests

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL — Vestavia Hills City Schools reported Tuesday that 57 students are currently home with positive COVID-19 tests.

The school system has made masks optional for students, which has been the source of some concern for many parents in the community.

The students who tested positive are only part of the effect of the virus on the school system. Freeman said Tuesday that 136 students were at home because of a known close contact exposure. VHCS also had 15 staff members absent for reasons related to COVID-19.

"Last year, our highest rates of COVID-19 related absences were in the days preceding Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks," Freeman said. "During those times, the highest COVID-19 related student absences across the system were near 6 percent."

Freeman said he has visited all of thee system's schools and observed the steps being implemented in the system's health and wellness plan.

"Critical to the success of our plan and our students staying in school is the reminder to families and our VHCS team to observe the 4Habits 4Health," Freeman said. "Students and staff are to stay at home when they exhibit symptoms of sickness. Students and staff who have even minor cold symptoms should stay home until they are symptom-free. Students and staff are strongly encouraged to use face masks while indoors. Finally, we should all be vigilant in washing hands and using proper hygiene etiquette when coughing or sneezing."

Freeman said the school system will continue to emphasize 4Habits 4Health, physical distance where possible, indoor air quality and routine cleaning/disinfecting measures. "I am very appreciative of our teachers, staff, and administrators in their efforts to have a successful start to the school year," he added.