Vestavia Schools Report 15 COVID-19 Cases Among Students

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL — More good news on the pandemic front came from Vestavia Hills City Schools Monday, as the system reported just 15 students with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis for the week ending Oct. 1.

This number shows a trend of decreasing cases among students in the system. Since the school year began, the number of reported positive COVID-19 cases among students each week shows:

• Aug. 13: 52 cases (0.74 percent of student body)
• Aug. 20: 78 cases (1.1 percent of student body)
• Aug. 27: 93 cases (1.32 percent of student body)
• Sept. 3: 86 cases (1.22 percent of student body)
• Sept. 10: 48 cases (0.68 percent of student body)
• Sept. 17: 26 cases (0.37 percent of student body)
• Sept. 24: 16 cases (0.23 percent of student body)
• Oct. 1: 15 cases (0.21 percent of student body)

The system has also seen a decline in close contact absences, a number that peaked at 274 Aug. 27, and has fallen to just 28 in the Oct. 1 report, although the most recent number increased from the 23 close contact absences reported the previous week.

The school system started the year with a mask-optional policy for students, but switched to a mandated mask policy Sept. 1. After seeing significant decreases in cases, the system returned to its mask-optional policy.

"I respect and appreciate the comments from those who spoke to the board last week as well as emails and phone calls regarding our health and wellness plan," superintendent Todd Freeman said. "I have listened and read all of the perspectives offered and will continue to update you each week with any changes to our plan."