Vestavia Schools Report Another Decrease In COVID-19 Cases

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL — Vestavia Hills City Schools went back to a mask-optional policy on all of its campuses Monday, after the system reported another decreade in positive COVID-19 cases among students.

For the week ending Sept. 17, the system reported 45 positive cases among students, with 26 still absent Friday. Friday's total represents just .3 percent of the students population in the syatem.

"With universal masking in VHCS Sept. 1–17, there were several times each day when masks were not required," superintendent Todd Freeman said. "For elementary students, this included during PE (indoors and outdoors), recess, and lunch. Additional examples for secondary students included band classes when students were playing an instrument; while weightlifting; during athletic competitions and practices; transitions between buildings; and other other activities such as pep rallies and games."

Freeman pointed out that the peak in positive cases in Jefferson County during this current wave of COVID-19 took place the week of August 23. Positives and close contacts among VHCS students also peaked that same week.

"Since then, our number of positives have decreased in a similar manner as the county where there has been no mask mandate," Freeman said. "These patterns are also similar to previous waves we experienced last school year when there was a statewide mask mandate."

Freeman added, "Our goal continues to be to have students focused on learning in a safe and nurturing environment. The most important part of our health and wellness plan is for staff and students to stay at home when they are sick."